John Travolta

Ratos de Porão's song "John Travolta" is a raw and unapologetic critique of the pop culture icons of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The band, known for its hardcore punk style, uses this song to express their disdain for the mainstream figures that dominated the media landscape at the time. The lyrics are a direct attack on John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, the Bee Gees, and even Brazilian rock singer Rita Lee. This disdain is not just about the individuals but what they represent: a commercialized, sanitized version of entertainment that punk rock inherently opposes.

The repeated lines "Eu odeio John" (I hate John) and "Eu não aguento mais ouvir falar em John Travolta" (I can't stand hearing about John Travolta anymore) emphasize the band's frustration with the over-saturation of these figures in popular culture. The song mocks the frenzy that these celebrities incite, particularly among young fans, and contrasts it with the punk ethos of rebellion and authenticity. The mention of Travolta dancing and causing uncontrollable excitement among girls serves as a metaphor for the superficial allure of pop culture, which the band finds both irritating and shallow.

Ratos de Porão's aggressive tone and raw energy in this song reflect the broader punk movement's rejection of mainstream norms and values. The song is not just a personal vendetta against specific celebrities but a broader critique of a culture that prioritizes commercial success over artistic integrity. By targeting well-known figures, the band underscores their commitment to punk's anti-establishment roots and their desire to carve out a space for more genuine, unfiltered expression in the music world.