Yoko Ono

Song Meaning

Rita Lee's "Yoko Ono" isn't a biographical tribute to John Lennon's avant-garde wife, but rather a playful and subversive exploration of female identity and desire. The lyrics drip with a knowing irony, positioning the singer as a multifaceted lover, capable of both delicate intimacy and fierce independence. The repeated invocation of "Yoko Ono" acts as a symbolic shorthand, not for the woman herself, but for a certain type of liberated, unconventional femininity. The song seems to be embracing the power dynamics of relationships, suggesting a woman who takes control, offering pleasure ("Te embebedar de saquê") while also asserting her strength ("Depois lutar karatê"). The juxtaposition of Western and Eastern cultural references—baby-doll lingerie against kimonos, sake alongside karate—highlights the complex layers of the singer's persona. She's not easily defined; she's a chameleon, adapting to her partner's desires while maintaining her own agency. The playful repetition of "Me deixa, me deixa" ("Let me, let me") hints at a desire to fully inhabit these different roles, to be both a source of comfort and a force to be reckoned with. The repeated Japanese phrases like "arigatô gozaimashita né?" (thank you very much, isn't it?) and "cocoro no nakani" (in my heart) add another layer of intrigue, suggesting a depth of emotion beneath the surface playfulness. Ultimately, "Yoko Ono" is a celebration of female complexity and the rejection of limiting stereotypes. It's a song about a woman who embraces her sexuality, her strength, and her cultural identity, all while maintaining a sense of humor. Rita Lee uses the figure of Yoko Ono as a springboard to explore the multifaceted nature of female desire and the power that comes from owning one's own narrative. It's a clever and provocative statement about the freedom to be whatever a woman chooses to be, without apology.