Futuros Amantes
Chico Buarque
The Timeless Nature of Love in Chico Buarque's 'Futuros Amantes'
Chico Buarque's song 'Futuros Amantes' is a poetic exploration of the enduring and patient nature of love. The lyrics suggest that love is not bound by the urgency of time; it can wait silently, hidden away, until the right moment comes. The imagery of love waiting 'in silence, in the back of a closet, or at a post office' evokes a sense of timelessness and the idea that love is something that persists, even if it is not currently active or visible.
The second verse paints a picture of a future where the city of Rio de Janeiro is submerged underwater, and divers explore the remnants of a past civilization. This scenario serves as a metaphor for the depth and mystery of love, which can be buried and forgotten, only to be rediscovered and interpreted by future generations. The reference to 'wise men' trying in vain to decipher the 'echo of ancient words' and 'traces of a strange civilization' suggests that love leaves behind a legacy that is not easily understood but is nonetheless significant.
The chorus reinforces the idea that love is eternal and self-renewing. 'Futuros amantes, quiçá' (Future lovers, perhaps) will love each other with the same love that the narrator once had and has left for them. This concept of love transcending time and being passed on to future lovers speaks to the universal and cyclical nature of love. Chico Buarque, known for his lyrical sophistication and social commentary, uses this song to convey a message that love, despite its complexities, is a constant and beautiful force that connects generations.