Lia e Deia

Song Meaning

Gilberto Gil's "Lia e Deia" is a tender ode to dual affection, a delicate balancing act of expressing love to two distinct individuals. The central question, “Como fazer para dizer às duas?” (“How to tell the two?”), immediately sets the stage for the song's exploration of polyamorous sentiment, or perhaps, a broader appreciation for the multifaceted nature of love itself. The lyrics don't explicitly define the relationship dynamic, leaving room for interpretation. Are Lia and Deia sisters, friends, or romantic partners? Regardless, Gil celebrates their individual beauty and unique qualities. The verses delve into the contrasting characteristics of Lia and Deia. He playfully contrasts their physical attributes, describing one as "tamanho tamanho tamanho pé de laranja" (the size of an orange tree) and the other as "tamanho tamanho tamanho pé de mamão" (the size of a papaya tree). These evocative images paint a picture of distinct forms and personalities, highlighting the beauty in their differences. He further uses the metaphors of "broto de soja" (soybean sprout) and "broto de feijão" (bean sprout) to emphasize their distinct yet equally nourishing qualities. This juxtaposition isn't about comparison, but rather about appreciating the diverse forms that love and beauty can take. Ultimately, “Lia e Deia” transcends a simple love song. It becomes a meditation on the power of admiration and the complexities of human connection. The repetition of "Lia e Deia, Deia e Lia" transforms into a mantra, a rhythmic incantation celebrating the intertwined presence of these two figures in the singer's life and imagination. The closing lines, returning to the initial question, suggest that perhaps the act of expressing love is less about finding the perfect words and more about simply acknowledging and celebrating the unique qualities of those we cherish. The image of birds flying freely in the "sky of poetry" encapsulates the liberating and boundless nature of love itself, free from constraints and definitions.