O Peru

Vinicius de Moraes' song "O Peru" is a whimsical and playful narrative that delves into themes of vanity, self-perception, and the consequences of delusion. The song tells the story of a turkey who, in a fit of vanity, believes himself to be as magnificent as a peacock. This humorous tale is set against a backdrop of lively and rhythmic Brazilian music, characteristic of Moraes' style, which often blends poetic lyrics with rich cultural elements.

The lyrics begin with the turkey strutting around, thinking he is a peacock, much to the amusement of a tico-tico (a small bird), who laughs so hard that it dies of congestion. This exaggerated reaction underscores the absurdity of the turkey's delusion and sets a comedic tone for the song. The turkey's dance in a circle of coal, ending in dizziness, further illustrates the folly of his self-deception, as he is left disoriented and nearly falling to the ground.

As the story progresses, the turkey sees his reflection in a stream and is captivated by his own image, mistaking himself for a beautiful peacock. This moment of self-admiration is both humorous and poignant, highlighting the theme of vanity. The song concludes with the turkey dreaming that his tail has the vibrant colors of a peacock's, symbolizing his deep-seated desire to be something he is not. Through this light-hearted narrative, Moraes subtly critiques the human tendency to aspire to unrealistic ideals and the often comical consequences of such aspirations.