Caetano Veloso’s “Pecado” plunges us into the whirlpool of a love that feels wrong on paper yet unstoppable in the heart. The narrator wonders if this passion is a sin, if it breaks the “honored laws of man and of God,” but each doubt is swept away by desire “as a whirlwind” that pulls him relentlessly toward the other person. Veloso’s Spanish-language lyrics spotlight the classic conflict between strict moral codes and human emotion: social rules and even divine fear crumble in the face of an affection that is “stronger than my life, my creed, and my sign.”
At its core, the song celebrates the raw power of love that refuses to be caged. Even if the world denies him the right to feel it, the protagonist clings to this bond, repeating “Te quiero lo mismo” — I love you all the same. Veloso’s smooth pop melody wraps the struggle in bittersweet beauty, inviting listeners to ask themselves: when love feels like a “pecado” (sin), is it truly wrong, or simply too intense to obey the rules?
Caetano Veloso is a legendary Brazilian composer, singer, guitarist, and political activist born in 1942 in Santo Amaro, Bahia. He rose to fame in the 1960s as a leading figure of the Tropicália movement, which blended Brazilian musical traditions like samba and bossa nova with psychedelic rock and avant-garde styles. Known for his poetic lyrics and bold experimentation, Veloso's work challenged Brazil's military dictatorship, leading to his imprisonment and exile in London.
With a career spanning over six decades, Caetano has won numerous awards including multiple Latin Grammys and Grammys. His influence extends beyond Brazil, captivating audiences worldwide through his diverse musical styles and collaborations with icons like Gilberto Gil and Os Mutantes. Veloso remains a vital voice in contemporary music and culture, celebrated for his artistic innovation and commitment to social justice.