Domingo

Caetano Veloso's song 'Domingo' is a poetic exploration of the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a serene Sunday afternoon in a beautiful square, where people and nature coexist in a harmonious dance. The recurring imagery of the 'roda' (circle) symbolizes the continuous flow of time and the interconnectedness of all things. The 'rosa' (rose) in the center of the circle represents beauty and transience, a poignant reminder of the fleeting moments that make up our lives.

The rose, described as 'menina pousada' (a girl resting), is a metaphor for innocence and the ephemeral nature of youth. The repeated plea for the rose not to wait for the singer suggests a resignation to the inevitability of change and the passage of time. The rose's presence in various locations—'na praça e na porta, na sala, na tarde do mesmo jardim' (in the square, at the door, in the room, in the afternoon of the same garden)—emphasizes the omnipresence of beauty and its inevitable decline.

The song's melancholic tone is further underscored by the lines 'Esta tarde está morta' (This afternoon is dead) and 'Não há madrugada esperando por mim' (There is no dawn waiting for me). These phrases reflect a sense of loss and the end of an era, capturing the bittersweet nature of memories and the passage of time. Veloso's lyrical mastery and evocative imagery invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of time, beauty, and the inevitable changes that life brings.