Na Quadrada das Águas Perdidas

Elomar Figueira Melo's 'Na Quadrada das Águas Perdidas' is a song deeply rooted in the Brazilian sertanejo tradition, which reflects the life, culture, and struggles of the people living in the Brazilian hinterlands, known as the sertão. The lyrics, rich in regional dialect and imagery, transport the listener to a vast and arid landscape, where distances are great and the journey is hard. The repetition of 'muito mais, inda mais, muito mais' (much more, even more, much more) emphasizes the vastness and the difficulty of the journey through the sertão.

The song mentions specific places and characters, such as 'Carantonha,' 'Vaca Seca,' and 'Sete Varge,' which are likely references to real or fictional locations within the sertão. The mention of 'Reis, Mãe-Senhora' and 'Casa das Sarmentos' suggests a connection to family, tradition, and perhaps a hierarchy or social structure within this rural community. The lyrics also describe the preparation for a journey or a task, with references to 'chiquera,' 'bode,' and 'jumenta,' which are pens, goats, and donkeys, respectively, indicating the rural and agricultural setting of the song.

Elomar's music is known for its intricate melodies and use of traditional Brazilian instruments, which complement the storytelling aspect of his lyrics. 'Na Quadrada das Águas Perdidas' is likely a metaphorical tale about the challenges faced by the sertanejo people, their connection to the land, and their resilience in the face of hardship. The song serves as a cultural document, preserving the language, customs, and spirit of a region that is often overlooked in mainstream narratives.