Longe Demais Das Capitais
Engenheiros do Hawaii
The Isolation of the Periphery: A Journey Through 'Longe Demais Das Capitais'
Engenheiros do Hawaii's song 'Longe Demais Das Capitais' delves into the feelings of isolation and disconnection experienced by those living far from the bustling centers of power and culture. The lyrics paint a picture of a night out in a city that feels both vast and confined, highlighting the paradox of living in a place that is geographically large but culturally and socially limited. The phrase 'longe demais das capitais' (too far from the capitals) serves as a metaphor for this sense of being removed from the epicenters of influence and modernity.
The song also touches on the longing for a different way of life, as expressed in the lines about wanting to live in the 'old world' and the 'old way of living.' This nostalgia is juxtaposed with the confusion and difficulty in understanding contemporary issues like the '3rd sex,' the '3rd war,' and the '3rd world.' These references suggest a struggle to make sense of modern complexities and a yearning for simpler, perhaps more comprehensible times.
Furthermore, the song explores the duality of city life. While the city can be a place of excitement and discovery ('Suave é a noite'), it can also be a place where people feel the need to hide and escape ('Pra quem tem necessidade de se esconder'). This duality underscores the ambivalence many feel about urban living, especially in smaller cities that are 'longe demais das capitais.' The song captures the essence of feeling caught between worlds, neither fully part of the vibrant, influential centers nor entirely content with the periphery's limitations.