Velha porteira

In 'Velha Porteira,' Chico Rey e Paraná delve into the profound emotions tied to returning to one's roots and the inevitable changes that time brings. The song begins with the narrator passing through an old gate, a symbolic threshold that brings him closer to his homeland. This moment is charged with emotion, as he feels his long-held anguish dissipate, replaced by the joy of reconnecting with his past. The gate, or 'porteira,' serves as a powerful metaphor for the passage of time and the connection to one's origins.

As the narrator approaches the farm where he grew up, he is filled with anticipation and dreams of reuniting with his loved ones. However, upon arrival, he is met with a cruel surprise. The farm has transformed significantly, with many of its inhabitants having moved away, leaving the once vibrant colony deserted. This stark change highlights the theme of impermanence and the bittersweet nature of returning to a place that no longer resembles the cherished memories of one's youth.

The song also touches on the passage of time and the changes it brings to both people and places. The narrator's friends have changed so much that they no longer recognize him, and the old gate itself has deteriorated, its posts rotted and fallen. The gate's sad creaking sound evokes memories of a bygone era, symbolizing the narrator's longing for the innocence and simplicity of childhood. 'Velha Porteira' is a poignant reflection on nostalgia, the passage of time, and the inevitable changes that come with it, capturing the universal experience of returning to a place that has been irrevocably altered by time.