Cavalo de Pau

Alceu Valença's song 'Cavalo de Pau' is a poetic exploration of the tumultuous journey of life, using the metaphor of a wild wooden horse to convey the unpredictability and challenges faced along the way. The lyrics open with a vivid image of the wind blowing through a cornfield, setting a scene of natural beauty and simplicity. This imagery contrasts with the complexity and chaos introduced by the 'cavalo de pau' (wooden horse), symbolizing the uncontrollable forces that shape our lives.

The song juxtaposes the innocence and purity of a 'boneca dourada' (golden doll) with the wild, untamed nature of the wooden horse. This contrast highlights the duality of life experiences—moments of beauty and calm are often disrupted by unexpected turmoil. The 'cavalo doido' (crazy horse) represents these disruptive forces, which can knock us down and challenge our sense of stability and control. The repetition of being 'derrubaste como quem me nega' (you knocked me down as if denying me) emphasizes the feeling of being overpowered and rejected by these uncontrollable elements.

Valença's lyrics also touch on the theme of displacement and the longing for a simpler, more grounded existence. The reference to moving to the capital suggests a transition from a rural, peaceful life to the chaotic, fast-paced environment of the city. This shift brings about a sense of loss and disorientation, as the protagonist grapples with the overwhelming forces symbolized by the wooden horse. The song's dreamlike quality, with the horse leading the protagonist in dreams, underscores the inescapable nature of these life challenges and the constant struggle to find balance and meaning.