O Último Dos Carreiros

In the song "O Último Dos Carreiros" by Duo Glacial, the lyrics paint a poignant picture of a man who is the last in a long line of carreiros, or ox-cart drivers. The song opens with the narrator acknowledging his age and the end of his journey, both literally and metaphorically. Despite his advanced years, he takes pride in his ability to continue the demanding work of transporting heavy loads with his oxen. This resilience is a testament to his character and dedication to his craft, even as he recognizes that time will eventually force him to stop.

The second verse delves into the narrator's heritage, revealing that both his grandfather and father were also carreiros. This profession has been passed down through generations, and he feels a deep sense of duty to uphold this family tradition. However, he is acutely aware that times have changed, and the world around him is moving away from the old ways. Despite this, he remains committed to maintaining the tradition, symbolized by his old, worn-out ox-cart.

The third verse highlights the clash between tradition and progress. The narrator's ox-cart, now deteriorated, represents a bygone era. The creaking sounds of the cart's wheels express a sorrowful protest against the relentless march of progress, symbolized by the asphalt roads that are replacing the old dirt paths. This modernization is erasing the charm and history of the carreiro's way of life.

In the final verse, the narrator reflects on his inevitable departure and the end of the carreiro profession. He sees himself as a brave hero, the last of his kind, who will continue his work as long as there are roads for his cart to travel. However, he laments that there is no one to carry on this tradition after he is gone, marking the end of an era. The song is a heartfelt tribute to the perseverance of tradition in the face of inevitable change, capturing the bittersweet essence of holding on to one's roots while acknowledging the unstoppable force of progress.