Life
Sérgio Lyrics

The lyrics of Sergio Mendes and the New Brazil '77's song "Life in 2-3" explore the challenges and joys of existence, highlighting the difficulties faced by those who are genuine and authentic, as well as the possibility of hope and renewal. The opening lines, "The way is hard for one who feels, The price is twice high for one who's real," suggest that living with empathy and honesty comes at a cost, and that society often values conformity and superficiality over individuality and depth.

However, the song also acknowledges the diversity of human experience, noting that "Some get to choose, some have no choice, Some live a life without a voice in anything." This recognition of the ways in which social structures and systemic inequalities affect people's opportunities and agency aligns with the broader themes of social justice and activism that have been central to many Latin American musical traditions. The refrain, "And life goes on, it goes on and on," serves as a reminder that existence is ongoing and cyclical, with its own rhythms and patterns that we must learn to navigate and appreciate.

In the second verse, the song shifts to a more optimistic tone, celebrating the birth of a child who will "be a poem to read when there is rain." This imagery evokes the idea that children are bearers of hope and possibility, embodying the potential for beauty and meaning even in difficult circumstances. The final lines of the song, "And life goes on," serve as a kind of mantra, emphasizing that no matter what trials and joys we encounter, we must keep moving forward and embracing the complexity and richness of existence.