Panis et Circenses Lyrics

Lyric discussion by cacachanel 

Cover art for Panis et Circenses lyrics by Os Mutantes

This is, clearly, about people who don't care to think. The title is about the roman empire story, which relates to the rest of the song as the 'people in the dining room' are satisfyied with borning and dying. They don't think. They think, but about futile things like sex, money, etc. Actually they don't care to think, they are alienated.

the strophe which says- Eu quis cantar Minha canção iluminada de sol Soltei os panos sobre os mastros no ar Soltei os tigres e os leões nos quintais Mas as pessoas na sala de jantar São ocupadas em nascer e morrer

and

Mandei fazer De puro aço luminoso um punhal Para matar o meu amor e matei Às cinco horas na Avenida Central Mas as pessoas na sala de jantar São ocupadas em nascer e morrer

The writter, although trying to write a intelligent song, although singing his 'canção iluminada de sol' and although 'killing his love at 5:00 in the central avenue', can't get any merit, because the people on the dining room won't think about it. They are all occupied in borning and dying.

@cacachanel Yup! My interpretation is right on with yours. I think once you get the Roman reference in the title the meaning of the song comes together.