Abra a Boca e Feche os Olhos

Song Meaning

Margareth Menezes' "Abra a Boca e Feche os Olhos" is a sonic dare, a playful yet potent exploration of cultural fusion and sensory experience. The song title, which translates to "Open Your Mouth and Close Your Eyes," immediately sets a tone of surrender and trust, hinting at a journey where taste and sensation override sight and preconception. Menezes teases with the promise of a unique flavor, a "molho" (sauce) that's both enticing and slightly dangerous. The lyrics "Tá baquiando que nem goma de chiclete" paint a picture of something sticky and persistent, like chewing gum stuck in your hair, a sensation that lingers and demands attention. This playful imagery belies a deeper, more subversive intent. The invocation of Oyá, a powerful Yoruban deity associated with storms, transformation, and female strength, elevates the song beyond mere sensual exploration. The lines "Escancara o canivete, Oyá / Escancara o canivete até a cobra dar um nó" suggest a call for radical change, a cutting away of old patterns and limitations. The image of a pocketknife opening until the snake ties itself in a knot is violent, evocative, and loaded with symbolism, hinting at a confrontation with fear and the unraveling of deeply ingrained societal constraints. Oyá's presence infuses the song with a spiritual dimension, suggesting that the sensory experience is not just about pleasure but also about liberation and empowerment. The abrupt shift into French phrases ("Merci beaucoup," "Je suit chanteur," "Je fe l'amour") adds another layer of complexity. This seemingly random insertion of another culture's language could be interpreted as a commentary on globalization and the blending of identities. The broken French, intentionally imperfect, suggests a playful embrace of cultural exchange, a celebration of the beauty found in imperfection and hybridity. It's a nod to the interconnectedness of the world, suggesting that even in moments of intense personal or spiritual experience, we are always part of a larger, more complex tapestry. Ultimately, "Abra a Boca e Feche os Olhos" is a multifaceted invitation to trust the senses, embrace change, and find pleasure and meaning in the unexpected.