Meio Fio

Song Meaning

Rita Lee's "Never Know" isn't just a song; it's a sonic distillation of a life lived on its own terms. The lyrics, originally in Portuguese, articulate a profound acceptance of the past, the present, and the inevitable future. Lee isn't shying away from her mortality; she's embracing it, carrying her "death" and the marks of both good and bad fortune as badges of honor. This isn't morbid; it's fiercely self-possessed. The recurring image of the "yellow submarine" acts as a vehicle for navigating this complex emotional landscape, a whimsical yet sturdy craft guiding her through the uncertainties of existence. It's a journey inward, a psychedelic voyage through the self. The submarine becomes a metaphor for self-reliance. She is captaining her own ship. This self-reliance is further emphasized in the pre-chorus and chorus, where Lee sings about dancing "on the tightrope / Between what I have / And what I have to lose." This precarious balance is the essence of living, the constant negotiation between holding on and letting go. The tightrope becomes the stage for a personal drama played out in the face of the cosmos. The lyrics convey the idea that if she is alone, floating in the void, she will give voice to the air she receives, which is an exercise of free will. There is a distinct sense of artistic freedom in the lyrics. She does not necessarily need anyone to express herself. Ultimately, "Never Know" is an anthem of self-acceptance and resilience. The line "Sometimes I believe in myself / Sometimes I don't" speaks to the human condition, the constant push and pull between confidence and doubt. The song's meaning lies not in finding definitive answers but in embracing the questions, navigating the uncertainties with grace and a touch of irreverence. Rita Lee invites us to join her on this journey, to find our own "yellow submarine" and navigate the depths of our own being. It's an invitation to dance on the tightrope of life, embracing both the joy and the pain, the known and the unknown. The song is a reminder that even in solitude, there is strength, and in vulnerability, there is power.