Sabiá

Chico Buarque's song 'Sabiá' is a poignant exploration of longing, nostalgia, and the quest for belonging. The lyrics revolve around the theme of returning to a cherished place, symbolized by the sabiá, a bird known for its melodious song. The repeated phrase 'Vou voltar' (I will return) underscores the singer's deep yearning to go back to a place that holds significant emotional value. This place is not just a physical location but a sanctuary where the singer hopes to find peace, love, and a sense of identity.

The sabiá bird serves as a powerful metaphor throughout the song. In Brazilian culture, the sabiá is often associated with the beauty of nature and the idea of home. By longing to hear the sabiá sing, the singer is expressing a desire to reconnect with his roots and the simple, yet profound, joys of life. The imagery of lying under a palm tree, picking flowers, and finding love evokes a sense of idyllic tranquility and fulfillment that contrasts sharply with the singer's current state of loneliness and disillusionment.

The song also delves into the complexities of self-discovery and the mistakes made along the way. The lines 'Como fiz enganos / De me encontrar / Como fiz estradas / De me perder' (How I made mistakes / In finding myself / How I made roads / To lose myself) reflect the singer's introspective journey. Despite the missteps and the pain of separation, there is an underlying optimism. The singer believes in the possibility of a new life, free from sadness and loneliness, where love and happiness await. This hopeful outlook is encapsulated in the final verses, where the singer envisions a future where 'a solidão / Vai se acabar' (the loneliness will end) and he will once again hear the sabiá sing.