Song meaning of Nine Out of Ten by Caetano Veloso

The song "Nine Out of Ten" by Caetano Veloso conveys a message about the fleeting nature of life and the power of music to bring joy and emotion to our lives. The lyrics depict walking down Portobello Road, a lively street associated with music, where the protagonist feels alive and connected to the world. The reference to the "age of gold" and "age of old" suggests a longing for a past era where music was more vibrant and meaningful. The lyrics also mention the expectation of a final blast, which can be interpreted as a reminder of mortality and the impermanence of life.

Despite this awareness, the protagonist embraces life and embraces the music that surrounds them. The repetition of "I'm alive" and "vivo" (meaning alive in Portuguese) emphasizes this sense of being present and fully engaged with the world. The line "Feel the sound of music banging in my belly" expresses the profound impact that music has on the protagonist, evoking a deep emotional response. The reference to the Electric Cinema and the telly (television) implies that the protagonist finds solace and inspiration in movies and the visual arts as well.

The final lines, "Nine out of ten movie stars make me cry, I'm alive," suggest that the protagonist is deeply moved by the performances and stories portrayed by film stars. This can be seen as an appreciation for the ability of art and entertainment to evoke strong emotions and remind us of our own humanity. In summary, the song conveys a message of living life fully, finding joy in music and the arts, and embracing the emotions that they evoke, even in the face of mortality.