Rapunzel
Daniela Mercury Lyrics

In "Rapunzel," Daniela Mercury sings of an attraction that leads her to love someone's "tranças de mel"—the Portuguese for "honey strands," or perhaps "honey-colored hair." The song incorporates a fairy tale element with its frequent refrain of "Rapunzel, Rapunzel," and references to Julieta and Romeo's love story. In the streets of Borel, where Mercury hears the "grito grão de bololô," or "great cry of bololô," she describes her own love as being similar to that of Julieta and Romeo. The phrase "nu varanda," or "on the balcony," suggests a romantic setting in which Mercury reflects on her feelings.

The song is infused with rhythm and movement, typical of the Brazilian genres of samba and axé. The particular neighborhood of Borel references the favelas or slums of Rio de Janeiro, where Mercury herself grew up. The contrast between the hardship of the environment and the sweetness of the love being described underscores the power of the attraction. The repetition of the refrain, despite the lyrical variance in the song, gives listeners a sense of the hold this love has over Mercury.

In summary, "Rapunzel" is a song about a love that is all-consuming and resonates in the backdrop of a difficult urban environment. With its references to fairy tales and Brazil's cultural traditions, the song weaves together the universal emotions of love and hope amidst emotional and physical challenges.