Por Quem

Song Meaning

The lyrics to "Por Quem" open with a stark, almost clinical assessment: "Computar a dor é dureza" (Computing pain is hardness). This immediately sets a tone of processing intense emotions. Juxtaposed with "computar a flor é beleza" (computing flower is beauty), the chorus establishes a binary framework for human experience. It's a fascinating blend of digital logic and raw feeling. The core tension here lies in the attempt to quantify or "compute" deeply subjective human experiences. The verses then explore how different parts of the self—the word, the head, the eyes, the back, even sex and poetry—actively engage with and interpret the world. There's a clear struggle between what can be articulated and what remains unspoken, with the body often stepping in to bridge that gap. The repeated use of "computar" is the most striking linguistic choice, creating a unique distance even as the lyrics describe intimate acts. This digital lens is further emphasized by "te scanear" (to scan you), suggesting an intense, almost analytical gaze within a moment of pleasure. This unexpected vocabulary makes the exploration of desire feel both intensely personal and strangely detached, as if the speaker is trying to objectively map out their own sensations and yearnings. Ultimately, these lyrics are effective because they build from this analytical framework to a deeply human, yearning question. After detailing how various senses and expressions process life, the bridge directly asks, "Por quem ergues tua taça?" (For whom do you raise your glass?) and "Por quem esperas lá na praça?" (For whom do you wait in the square?). This shift from internal processing to a direct, repeated query of "Por quem? Por quem?" grounds the abstract "computation" in a very specific, relatable search for connection and a particular "who." The song captures the universal human desire to make sense of feelings, culminating in a search for the person who makes it all worthwhile.