A alma e a matéria
Marisa Monte Lyrics

The lyrics to Marisa Monte's song A alma e a matéria reflect upon the duality of existence: the spiritual self and the physical being. The song's three writers, Carlinhos Brown, Marisa Monte, and Arnaldo Antunes, use rich imagery to explore the interplay between these two elements. In the opening verse, Monte sings about seeking "science" in "vague" things, suggesting a yearning for a greater understanding of the world around her. She then goes on to describe the physical manifestations of emotion: the contraction of pores, the movement of muscles that cause her to smile. She also notes the sensual pleasure she finds in the fragrant petals of a jasmine plant, which are moved by the gentle coastal breeze.

The second verse is similarly grounded in the physical world. Monte describes the "coreography" of atoms that make up the grass around her, and the sensory experience of reading braille on her own skin. She then makes an emotional leap, describing the profound pleasure and passion that can be found within the most minute and expansive experiences. The final verse sees Monte calling out to a higher power, inviting the listener to join her in experiencing the unexplainable magic and connection between souls. She suggests that by embracing both their spiritual and physical selves, they can truly "live".