Conquistador de Cera

Jorge Aragão's song "Conquistador de Cera" tells the poignant story of Zé de Sobradinho, a man whose life is marked by a series of romantic misadventures and personal failures. The title, which translates to "Wax Conqueror," suggests a fragile and superficial nature, hinting at Zé's inability to form genuine, lasting connections. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Zé's life, filled with fleeting romances and misguided attempts to find love and happiness.

The song begins with Zé's infatuation with a woman, leading to a passionate but ultimately unfulfilling relationship. He becomes a "capacho," or doormat, for her, losing himself in the process. The imagery of him turning redder than the sky of Brasília reflects his shame and embarrassment. Despite his efforts to move on, dressing up and going out to dance, he continues to fall into the same patterns, becoming a "brinquedo de amor e mandinga," or a toy of love and trickery.

Zé's story takes a darker turn when he becomes enamored with Rosa, only to discover that she is already involved with another man. This man, described as a fighter and a risk-taker, represents the kind of person Zé wishes he could be but isn't. The realization that his family has moved on without him, with his wife and daughter in the arms of others, is the final blow. Zé's life is a cautionary tale of the consequences of superficial pursuits and the importance of genuine connections. The repetition of his full name at the end of the song serves to emphasize the personal nature of his story, making it clear that this is a very human and relatable experience.