Mulheres

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a series of contradictory observations about 'Mulheres' (Women), painting a picture that is both idealized and mundane, powerful and vulnerable. Initially, they are depicted as capable of anything and believers in fairy tales, possessing a sixth sense yet fearing cockroaches. This juxtaposition sets up a complex portrayal, suggesting that women hold a multifaceted nature that defies simple categorization. The central tension arises from the seemingly irreconcilable traits attributed to women. They are capable of intense, maddening passion but also prone to boredom, leaving without explanation. The lyrics then shift to more stereotypical, almost dismissive, observations: bad drivers, crying at movies, and an aversion to seeing sick animals, contrasted with a lack of pity for 'us.' This creates a feeling of bewilderment and perhaps frustration from the narrator's perspective. The most striking aspect is the repeated, almost chant-like chorus of "Mulheres, mulheres, mulheres," which emphasizes the subject while offering no further insight, acting as a refrain that underscores the narrator's struggle to define or understand. The final stanza introduces another layer of domesticity and caretaking roles – mothers, girlfriends, nannies, aunts, grandmothers – before concluding with a provocative statement: "In the end, we are just / What they make of us." This suggests a societal construction of female identity, where their perceived roles and behaviors are shaped by external forces. This lyrical approach is effective because it mirrors the confusion and stereotyping that often surrounds perceptions of women. By listing disparate traits without resolution, the song highlights the absurdity of trying to pin down a singular definition. The final line, however, shifts the focus from inherent qualities to external influence, leaving the listener to ponder the origins of these attributed characteristics and the power dynamics at play.