40 Anos

Altay Veloso's song "40 Anos" is a rich tapestry of personal and national history, woven together with the threads of Brazilian culture, politics, and music. The song begins with a reflection on the artist's life, marking 40 years of adventures since his birth. Veloso acknowledges the sweetness of his mother's love and the gift of music that has been a constant companion throughout his life. This sets the stage for a deeply personal narrative that is also a mirror of Brazil's own journey.

The lyrics delve into the complexities of Veloso's identity, blending elements of historical figures like Zumbi, Peri, and D. Pedro. He speaks of emotional highs and lows, from the joy of music to the fear and sorrow experienced during significant national events, such as the death of Tancredo Neves. The mention of 20 years of dictatorship highlights a period of political turmoil, during which Veloso felt a sense of abandonment and lawlessness. His admiration for revolutionary figures like Che Guevara and cultural icons like Glauber Rocha, Jimmy Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and John Lennon, reflects a period of youthful rebellion and artistic inspiration.

Veloso's narrative is also a celebration of Brazilian culture, from the music of Gonzaguinha and Milton Nascimento to the cinematic brilliance of Glauber Rocha. He reminisces about the joy of watching Elis Regina perform and the pride of Brazil's tricampeonato in soccer. The song is a tribute to the resilience and creativity of the Brazilian people, embodied in figures like Ayrton Senna, Sônia Braga, and Chico Xavier. Veloso's love for his country is evident as he calls for unity and progress, urging his fellow Brazilians to take pride in their heritage and work together for a better future. The song ends on a hopeful note, with a call to action to move Brazil forward, symbolized by the transformation from a chick to a fighting rooster, ready to take on the world.