Nem Tudo

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a quirky, almost Dadaist inventory of everyday objects and their unconventional uses, or lack thereof. The narrator details using a toothbrush for teeth and sometimes toenails, and a toothpick for fingernails, establishing a pattern of repurposing mundane items. This initial scene sets a tone of playful, slightly absurd domesticity, where the expected function of an object is often subverted. The central tension emerges from the narrator's contemplation of possession versus utility, encapsulated in the refrain: "Nem tudo que se tem se usa / Nem tudo que se usa se tem." This suggests a disconnect between what one owns and what one actually needs or employs, and conversely, that some actions or needs might arise without the corresponding object. It’s a philosophical observation grounded in the most ordinary of circumstances, questioning the inherent value or purpose of things we simply possess. The most striking craft element is the juxtaposition of specific, often slightly gross, physical actions with the abstract refrain. The narrator wonders about a contact lens when their vision is fine, or a stone in a shoe they no longer wear, highlighting situations where an object is present but irrelevant, or a need exists without a clear solution. The repetition of the refrain acts as a grounding, almost mantra-like, statement that ties these disparate observations together into a cohesive, if peculiar, worldview. This lyrical approach is effective because it uses hyper-specific, relatable-yet-odd scenarios to explore a broader idea about the arbitrary nature of ownership and utility. The humor and slight discomfort derived from the imagined uses (like putting a contact lens in an ear) make the abstract concept of "having vs. using" feel tangible and memorable. It’s this grounded absurdity that makes the core message resonate, prompting listeners to consider their own relationship with objects and their perceived purposes.