Tarumã

Amadeu Cavalcante's song 'Tarumã' is a poetic narrative that intertwines the themes of love and nature, using the metaphor of rivers to tell a story of enchantment and separation. The lyrics describe the journey of a person who becomes enchanted, a term that in this context likely refers to falling deeply in love. This enchantment occurs first at the Calçoene River, where the protagonist is metaphorically transformed into 'pau madeira de amor,' which can be interpreted as a 'wooden log of love,' signifying a state of being immovable or deeply rooted in emotion.

The song then shifts to another river, the Araguari, where the protagonist's heart becomes enchanted once again. The repetition of the river's name emphasizes its significance and possibly its historical and cultural importance. The Araguari River is described as a river of the past, suggesting a nostalgic connection or a love that has been lost in time. The narrative is personal and intimate, yet it resonates with the universal experience of love's transformative power.

The chorus, with its repeated mention of 'Tarumã,' evokes the image of traveling up and down the river, symbolizing the highs and lows of a love affair. The phrase 'if we died, it was of love' captures the intensity of the emotions involved, while 'the river that separated us' speaks to the pain of love lost or the barriers that sometimes arise in relationships. The song's lyrical beauty lies in its ability to convey deep emotions through the natural landscape of the rivers, which serve as metaphors for the journey of love.