Lamento Sertanejo

“Lamento Sertanejo” by Dominguinhos is a poignant reflection on the struggles and emotional turmoil of someone from the Brazilian hinterlands, or 'sertão,' who finds themselves displaced in an urban environment. The song captures the essence of saudade, a deep sense of longing and melancholy for one's homeland, which is a recurring theme in Brazilian music and literature. Dominguinhos, a master of forró and a beloved figure in Brazilian music, uses simple yet evocative lyrics to convey the profound disconnect and discomfort felt by the protagonist in the bustling city life.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the sertão, a region characterized by its arid landscape, caatinga vegetation, and rural lifestyle. The protagonist's identity is deeply rooted in this environment, and their discomfort in the city is palpable. The lines “Eu quase não saio / Eu quase não tenho amigo” (I almost don't go out / I almost don't have friends) highlight the isolation and alienation experienced in the urban setting. The sertanejo's preference for the simplicity and familiarity of their homeland is evident in their disdain for “cama mole” (soft bed) and their inability to enjoy food without “torresmo” (pork cracklings), traditional elements of their rural diet.

The metaphor of being a “rês desgarrada” (stray cattle) in the city underscores the protagonist's sense of being lost and out of place. This imagery evokes the idea of a person who is part of a larger collective in the sertão but feels like an outcast in the city. The song is a powerful commentary on the cultural and emotional dislocation experienced by many rural migrants in Brazil, who often struggle to adapt to the fast-paced, impersonal nature of urban life. Dominguinhos' heartfelt delivery and the song's melancholic melody further amplify the sense of longing and sorrow, making “Lamento Sertanejo” a timeless ode to the sertanejo spirit and the enduring bond with one's roots.