Homenagem aos filhos? Contra o suicídio? A história de "PAIS E FILHOS" (Legião Urbana)

Summary

This video delves into the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of the iconic song 'Pais e Filhos' by Legião Urbana. It highlights key facts, including the creation of the song, its connection to the band members' lives as new fathers, and the inspirations drawn from various musical influences. The script reveals lesser-known aspects, such as the subtle theme of suicide in the lyrics, the impact of generational conflicts, and the connection to the Russian novel 'Fathers and Sons'. Ultimately, the video explores the depth of this song, touching on personal struggles and societal themes while celebrating family and generational understanding.

Takeaways

• 😀 The title 'Pais e Filhos' came before the lyrics and was inspired by the band's personal experiences as fathers.
• 😀 The song was created during a complicated recording process, with the lyrics being one of the last to be finished.
• 😀 The song reflects the emotional transformation of becoming a father, a theme shared by all three band members at the time.
• 😀 'Pais e Filhos' was influenced by various musical styles, including The Beatles' 'Blackbird,' Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car,' and Velvet Underground's 'Pale Blue Eyes.'
• 😀 The famous lyric 'É preciso amar as pessoas como se não houvesse amanhã' was not originally written by Renato Russo but inspired by a phrase he read in a magazine.
• 😀 The title 'Pais e Filhos' is also the name of a 19th-century Russian novel by Ivan Turgenev, dealing with generational conflicts, which shares thematic elements with the song.
• 😀 Despite its uplifting message, the song also subtly addresses themes of suicide, which Renato Russo later confirmed in interviews.
• 😀 Renato Russo revealed that the song speaks to the alienation and emotional struggles caused by conflicts between generations.
• 😀 The song's final message encourages resilience, emphasizing that life's challenges are small in comparison to the larger picture of existence.
• 😀 'Pais e Filhos' remains a timeless reflection on life, family, and the emotional complexities faced by individuals during times of personal crisis.

Q & A

What was unique about the creation process of the song 'Pais e Filhos'?

The title of 'Pais e Filhos' came before the lyrics were written. The band spent months working on the instrumental without a clear idea for the lyrics, until Renato Russo decided on the title and the theme of the song, which was inspired by their experiences as fathers.

How did becoming fathers influence the song 'Pais e Filhos'?

All three members of the band—Renato Russo, Dado Villa-Lobos, and Bonfá—became fathers around the same time. This shared experience influenced the song's themes of family, parenthood, and the changes that come with becoming a parent.

What musical influences can be heard in the song 'Pais e Filhos'?

The acoustic guitar riff in the song is inspired by 'Blackbird' by The Beatles. Additionally, the emotional tone of the song draws from Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car,' and the electric guitar outro is influenced by 'Pale Blue Eyes' by Velvet Underground.

Where did the famous phrase 'É preciso amar as pessoas como se não houvesse amanhã' come from?

The phrase 'É preciso amar as pessoas como se não houvesse amanhã' was not entirely original to Renato Russo. He borrowed it from pop culture, specifically from a magazine and movies, demonstrating his ability to incorporate cultural references into his lyrics.

Is the song 'Pais e Filhos' related to the novel 'Fathers and Sons' by Ivan Turgenev?

While Renato Russo never confirmed that the novel inspired the song, the title 'Pais e Filhos' mirrors that of Ivan Turgenev's 1862 novel, which explores generational conflict—a theme that aligns with the song's lyrics.

What is the deeper theme of the song 'Pais e Filhos' related to suicide?

Renato Russo acknowledged that the song addresses the theme of suicide, particularly in the context of emotional struggles and generational conflict. The song reflects how young people, feeling alienated from their parents, might contemplate suicide as a way to escape their emotional pain.

What is the message behind the line 'Você culpa seus pais por tudo' in 'Pais e Filhos'?

The line 'Você culpa seus pais por tudo' ('You blame your parents for everything') reflects the emotional crisis that some young people experience when they feel misunderstood or disconnected from their parents. It highlights the generational divide and the resulting frustrations.

Did Renato Russo ever explain the song's connection to suicide in interviews?

Yes, Renato Russo openly discussed the song's connection to suicide in interviews, particularly in 1994. He explained that 'Pais e Filhos' was about a young person who feels isolated and overwhelmed by emotional pain, to the point of contemplating suicide, though he made it clear that the song was not meant to encourage such actions.

What did Renato Russo say about the theme of suicide in relation to 'Pais e Filhos'?

Renato Russo explained that 'Pais e Filhos' reflects a moment in his life when he was dealing with deep personal struggles. He acknowledged that the song addresses themes of suicide but emphasized that it was meant to shed light on how generational conflict and emotional alienation could lead to such thoughts.

How did the band members' personal lives influence 'Pais e Filhos'?

The personal lives of the band members, particularly their new roles as fathers, played a significant role in shaping the song's themes. The experience of becoming a parent added emotional depth to the song's exploration of family relationships, responsibility, and the perspective shifts that come with parenthood.