Caboclo

Arthur Verocai's song 'Caboclo' is a poetic homage to the simple, yet profound life of a rural worker, often referred to as 'caboclo' in Brazilian culture. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man deeply connected to nature, starting his day by waking up with the sun and engaging in the humble act of planting cotton and metaphorically, clouds on the ground. This imagery suggests a harmonious relationship with the earth, where the caboclo's labor is both literal and symbolic, nurturing the land and the sky alike.

As the day transitions into night, the caboclo returns home, bringing with him the stars, which he metaphorically carries in his 'embornal' (a type of bag). This act of 'sowing' stars in his backyard symbolizes the spreading of dreams and hopes in his modest surroundings. The 'cofres do sertão' (treasures of the hinterland) he brings back are not material riches but the simple, yet invaluable, gifts of nature and the cosmos.

The song continues to explore the caboclo's intimate connection with his environment. He respectfully removes his hat as he gazes at a spring, which seems to 'spit' water towards the sky, a gesture of reverence towards the natural world. The caboclo's life is depicted as one of serene contemplation and unity with nature, as he lies down in the foliage, feeling the morning light on his feet. The wind gently caresses his face, removing the sun as one would dust off an old coat, symbolizing the passage of time and the enduring simplicity of his existence. His shoes, made of clay, are designed to wear out as he walks on the grass, emphasizing his grounded and unpretentious lifestyle.

Arthur Verocai's musical style, known for its rich orchestration and blending of Brazilian rhythms with jazz and classical influences, enhances the lyrical beauty of 'Caboclo'. The song is a celebration of the caboclo's life, marked by a deep respect for nature and a profound sense of contentment in simplicity.