A Porta

Vinicius de Moraes' song 'A Porta' is a poetic exploration of the symbolic and literal roles that a door plays in our lives. The lyrics personify the door, giving it a voice and a sense of agency. The door, made of 'madeira' (wood), acknowledges its material composition as 'matéria morta' (dead matter), yet it claims to be the most alive thing in the world. This paradox sets the stage for a deeper reflection on the door's significance beyond its physical form.

The door describes its various functions, opening slowly for a child, carefully for a lover, and with pleasure for a cook. It also opens abruptly for a captain, showcasing its adaptability and responsiveness to different people and situations. However, the door refuses to open for those who belittle it, particularly those who use the phrase 'burra como uma porta' (dumb as a door). This refusal highlights the door's self-awareness and intelligence, challenging the derogatory metaphor.

In the final verses, the door asserts its importance by stating that it closes the front of the house and the barracks, essentially controlling access and providing protection. The door's ultimate declaration that it remains open only in the sky adds a spiritual dimension, suggesting that true openness and freedom are found in the heavens. Through this personification, Vinicius de Moraes elevates the mundane object of a door to a symbol of passage, protection, and intelligence, inviting listeners to reconsider the everyday elements of their lives and the deeper meanings they may hold.