Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: forro
Song Meaning of “Parabólica” by Toinho de Aripibu
“Parabólica” tells the story of a man who is stuck in a love triangle, struggling to choose between two different but equally desirable romantic partners. He is divided between his desire for freedom and his longing for genuine connection and love. He is torn between pursuing his passion or settling down in a more stable more predictable relationship. He is aware of the difficulty of making this choice, and the potential cost of either decision. He is caught in the middle, feeling assaulted by conflicting feelings and the need to make a difficult decision.
The lyrics capture his sense of being trapped, as the “waves of love, in a parabolic arch” come crashing down upon him. In metaphor, he describes the emotional journey as a whirlwind of a ride, an emotional roller coaster with highs and lows as he slides through and navigates his feelings. Ultimately, the chorus poignantly conveys his dilemma: “I love two women, I will choose one / Two women, a love to keep, a love to set free.”
The song captures the timeless theme of heartache when the choice between freedom and love must be made. It speaks to the common situations where love leaves us stuck in the middle, unable to resolve the tension between pursuing our dreams and finding a settled home with somebody we love. In the end, the listener is left with the ache of the unspoken implications of the narrator’s ultimate decision.