Released: 2024
“São Paulo” by The Weeknd featuring Anitta is a sultry blend of seductive rhythms and provocative lyrics. The song mixes Portuguese and English, showcasing a blend of cultural influences, exploring themes of desire, passion, and indulgence. It’s an intense exchange of desires and fantasy, delivered with The Weeknd’s characteristic smooth vocals and Anitta’s fiery flair.
The hook of the song, performed by Anitta, repeats “Bota na boca, bota na cara, bota onde quiser,” which roughly translates to “Put it in the mouth, put it on the face, put it wherever you want.” This bold line is steeped in suggestive meaning, possibly symbolizing the idea of openness and unrestricted indulgence. The repetitive nature of the hook emphasizes an assertive control and unabashed confidence.
In the initial verses, Anitta continues with lyrics that describe a playful and audacious encounter, mentioning “O novinho me olhou e quis comer minha pepequinha,” a colloquial and somewhat crude expression about sexual interest from a younger male. This paints a vivid picture of allure and uninhibited allurements, inviting listeners into a space of fantasy and spontaneity.
When The Weeknd steps in, the mood subtly shifts with lyrics like “Everytime I try to run, you put your curse all over me.” Here, the imagery is of someone overwhelmed by a partner’s powerful presence and charm, metaphorically compared to being under a spell or curse. This speaks to a surrendering to irresistible desires and passion, despite efforts to resist.
In his continuation, The Weeknd employs more metaphorical language such as “Kill me softly like you want me euthanized,” conveying the dangerous allure of an intoxicating relationship. His portrayal of attraction is fraught with a mix of pleasure and potential destruction, resonating with themes common in his music—love intertwined with vulnerability and intensity.
Anitta’s catchy refrain is reintroduced, tying the themes together, but this time augmented with The Weeknd’s “turn me on”—an explicit expression of arousal and excitement, bridging their cultural and linguistic differences. The mix of Portuguese and English reinforces the song’s eclectic, border-crossing vibe.
The chorus progresses with lines like “Hot like rising sun, burning everything she touches.” This portrays a figure of formidable intensity, evoking images of a captivating and overpowering woman who transcends monetary values and evokes a powerful rush in others. It suggests a complex, multi-layered narrative of lust, desire, and the need for something more meaningful than material possessions.
Throughout, there’s a repetition of The Weeknd’s desire, “Baby, you turn me on,” highlighting the powerful hold the person has over him. The lyrics capture a kind of obsessive attraction that becomes a central motif in the song, hinting at both the allure and peril of such intense emotions.
As the song moves towards its conclusion, there’s a reflective plea with “Take it easy, easy on me.” This indicates a moment of vulnerability amidst the overpowering rush of emotions. It is as though the intensity has reached a peak, prompting a desire to slow down and regain composure. The song ends, leaving a lingering impression of a relationship marked by fiery passion and a touch of vulnerability.
Overall, “São Paulo” combines bold lyrics and an eclectic mix of languages to paint a vibrant picture of passionate, high-stakes romance. Both artists manage to complement each other, merging Anitta’s vivacious energy with The Weeknd’s moody intensity. The song doesn’t just entertain but also challenges listeners to explore themes of desire and attraction beyond cultural and linguistic boundaries.
