Na Ribeira Deste Rio

Dori Caymmi's song "Na Ribeira Deste Rio" is a poetic meditation on the passage of time and the flow of life, using the metaphor of a river to explore these themes. The lyrics describe the narrator's days spent by the riverbank, observing the river's movements and the traces it leaves behind. This imagery evokes a sense of tranquility and introspection, as the narrator reflects on the river's constant flow and the remnants of the past it carries along.

The river in the song symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The narrator's observations of the river's actions—or lack thereof—mirror their own contemplations about life. The line "vou vendo e vou meditando, não bem no rio que passa, mas só no que estou pensando" suggests that the narrator is more focused on their own thoughts and reflections than on the river itself. This introspection highlights the importance of inner contemplation and the personal journey of understanding one's place in the world.

Trust is another key theme in the song. The narrator expresses a sense of faith in the river's course, regardless of whether they are actively observing it or not. The final lines, "e do seu curso me fio, porque se o vi ou não vi, ele passa e eu confio," convey a deep trust in the natural flow of life. This trust allows the narrator to find peace and acceptance in the face of life's uncertainties, emphasizing the idea that, like the river, life continues to move forward, and one must have faith in its journey.