Waters Of March

Art Garfunkel's rendition of 'Waters Of March' is a poetic exploration of life's cyclical nature, capturing the essence of existence through a series of vivid and seemingly disjointed images. The song, originally written by Brazilian composer Antônio Carlos Jobim, is a mosaic of life's moments, both mundane and profound. Each line presents a snapshot of life, from the simple 'stick' and 'stone' to the more complex 'end of the road' and 'joy in your heart.' These images collectively paint a picture of life's unpredictability and the interconnectedness of all experiences.

The lyrics are rich with metaphors that reflect the dualities of life. For instance, 'It's a sliver of glass, it is life, it's the Sun' juxtaposes the fragility of a glass shard with the vitality of the Sun, symbolizing the delicate balance between life's beauty and its potential for harm. Similarly, 'It is night, it is death, it's a trap, it's a gun' contrasts the peacefulness of night with the finality of death and the danger of a trap or gun. These contrasts highlight the complexity of human experience, where joy and sorrow, hope and despair, coexist.

Culturally, 'Waters Of March' resonates with the Brazilian concept of 'saudade,' a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that one loves but is absent. The recurring mention of the 'Waters of March' symbolizes renewal and the passage of time, akin to the seasonal rains that mark the end of summer in Brazil. This cyclical pattern underscores the song's theme of life's perpetual motion, where every end is a new beginning. Garfunkel's soothing voice and the song's gentle melody further enhance this sense of continuity and reflection, making 'Waters Of March' a timeless meditation on the human condition.