Eles

Song Meaning

Caetano Veloso's "Eles" isn't just a song; it's a psychological x-ray of a certain societal type, a portrait of the bourgeoisie and their anxieties. The title, simply "Them," immediately establishes an 'us vs. them' dynamic, inviting the listener to observe this group from a critical distance. The lyrics paint a picture of people obsessed with "o dia de amanhã" – tomorrow. This preoccupation with the future, with saving money and planning ahead, suggests a deep-seated fear of uncertainty and a need for control. They are defined by their anxieties, the 'what ifs' that plague their existence. They are people who "tem medo da maçã" (are afraid of the apple) alluding to the biblical fall from grace, representing a fear of temptation, of losing their carefully constructed world of "bem e do mal" (good and evil). Veloso subtly critiques their rigid moral framework. The constant repetition of "o bem e o mal" suggests a simplistic, black-and-white worldview, a lack of nuance and understanding. They "só dizem o que dizem" (only say what they say), indicating a conformity of thought and expression. The repeated references to Christmas, a time of forced happiness and social obligation, highlight the artificiality of their joy. They find solace in tradition and routine, clinging to familiar rituals as a way to ward off the unknown. The lines about first love being "puro e verdadeiro" hint at a longing for a simpler, more authentic past, a time before the anxieties of adulthood took hold. But “Eles” doesn't simply condemn; it observes with a melancholic understanding. The lines "Eles choram sábados pelo ano inteiro" (They cry Saturdays all year long) evoke a sense of quiet desperation and the hidden sadness behind their carefully constructed facade. They are trapped by their own desires and fears, prisoners of their own making. Even the seemingly random shout-out to "Os Mutantes são demais" (The Mutantes are too much) could be read as a yearning for something more, a desire to break free from the constraints of their conventional lives and embrace the avant-garde, the unconventional, the truly liberating. The song’s meaning, therefore, lies in its complex portrayal of a social group, a blend of criticism, empathy, and a subtle call for liberation.