Para Sempre

The song 'Para Sempre' by Carlos Drummond de Andrade, a revered Brazilian poet known for his deep and introspective works, delves into the profound and eternal connection between a mother and her child. The lyrics poignantly question the inevitability of a mother's death, expressing a universal sentiment of loss and longing that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the loss of a mother. The song begins with a rhetorical question about why mothers must leave their children, highlighting the pain and seeming injustice of such a loss.

Drummond uses vivid imagery and metaphors to describe the essence of a mother. Phrases like 'Luz que não apaga' (Light that never goes out) and 'Veludo escondido' (Hidden velvet) suggest the enduring and comforting presence of a mother, even in her physical absence. The reference to natural elements like water and air in 'Água pura, ar puro' (Pure water, pure air) symbolizes the purity and necessity of a mother's love, equating it to life's essential elements.

The song's closing verses fantasize about a world where mothers do not die, underscoring the desire to hold onto the nurturing and protective figure of a mother forever. Drummond's wishful thinking, 'Fosse eu Rei do Mundo' (If I were King of the World), reflects a childlike longing for the impossible, highlighting the deep emotional impact a mother has on her child's life. This song not only mourns the loss of a mother but also celebrates the indelible mark she leaves on her children, echoing the sentiment that a mother's influence is eternal.