O Vagabundo

Altemar Dutra's song 'O Vagabundo' delves into the life and emotions of a wanderer, a person who is not tied down by the conventional expectations of society. The lyrics express a carefree attitude towards life, emphasizing the irrelevance of one's past or future when compared to the importance of love and the present moment. The protagonist of the song prioritizes the affection and warmth of his beloved over societal norms, suggesting that love is the ultimate source of life and happiness.

The repeated lines 'Que importa saber quem sou / Nem de onde venho, nem pra onde vou' translate to 'What does it matter who I am / Neither where I come from, nor where I'm going,' highlighting the wanderer's disregard for personal history or destiny. Instead, the focus is on the here and now, particularly on the love he seeks from the 'morena' with 'lindos olhos' (beautiful eyes). The song's chorus reinforces this sentiment, as the wanderer expresses that love is what gives him life and warmth.

The song also touches on themes of judgment and destiny. The wanderer is condemned for his lifestyle, yet he accepts his fate to 'viver ao léu' (live at the mercy of the elements). He compares himself to the world, which he describes as a vagabond itself, endlessly spinning in the blue sky. This metaphor suggests a philosophical acceptance of life's constant motion and change, and a recognition that everyone, in a way, is a wanderer through life.