Longe

Arnaldo Antunes' song 'Longe' delves into the themes of isolation and distance, both physical and emotional. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who finds themselves in an unfamiliar place, far removed from their previous life and connections. The repeated questioning of 'Onde é que eu fui parar?' (Where did I end up?) and 'Aonde é esse aqui?' (Where is this place?) underscores a sense of disorientation and confusion. This disconnection is further emphasized by the lack of communication, as the protagonist notes that their cell phone doesn't work, no cars pass by, and all commerce is closed. The absence of satellite transmissions and emails highlights a complete severance from the outside world, intensifying the feeling of being 'longe' (far away).

The song also explores the emotional distance between the protagonist and a significant other. The lines 'Aonde está você?' (Where are you?) and 'Por que é que você foi?' (Why did you leave?) suggest a longing for someone who is no longer present. This emotional void is compounded by the physical isolation, creating a profound sense of loneliness. The imagery of being 'entre quatro paredes sem porta ou janela' (between four walls without a door or window) symbolizes a trapped existence, where time seems to stand still. The mention of 'cinco sentidos em mim' (five senses in me) within a 'corpo fechado' (closed body) in a 'vácuo de um quarto no espaço sem fim' (vacuum of a room in endless space) further illustrates the protagonist's existential crisis.

Antunes' poetic lyrics and melancholic tone capture the essence of feeling lost and disconnected in a vast, indifferent universe. The song's closing countdown, 'Seis, cinco, quatro, três, dois, um,' adds a sense of finality, as if marking the end of a journey or the beginning of an unknown venture. 'Longe' resonates with anyone who has ever felt the sting of separation and the yearning for reconnection, making it a poignant reflection on the human condition.