Força Estranha

The song 'Força Estranha,' performed by Brazilian singer Gal Costa, is a poetic exploration of the passage of time and the enduring spirit of life and art. The lyrics, rich with imagery and metaphor, delve into the contemplation of life's moments and the mysterious force that compels the artist to create and express.

The opening verses depict a boy running and playing, symbolizing the innocence and freedom of childhood. The reference to never removing one's feet from the stream suggests a desire to remain connected to the purity and flow of life. The sun shining on the road that the narrator has never traveled represents opportunities and experiences that are yet to be explored. The mention of a woman preparing for the birth of a child further emphasizes the cycle of life and the role of art as a companion to existence, as taught by the sun—a metaphor for enlightenment and universal truth.

The chorus, with its repeated lines about an inexplicable force driving the singer to sing, captures the essence of the artist's compulsion to express themselves. This 'strange force' could be interpreted as the innate human need to communicate and connect through art. The song also touches on the timeless nature of the artist, whose spirit remains young despite the physical aging process, and the futility of conflict when compared to the simple beauty of a path under the sun. Ultimately, 'Força Estranha' is a celebration of the creative spirit and the profound connection between life, art, and the universe.