O Vento Levou o Mar
Graduado Voador
The Wind and the Sea: A Capoeira Journey
Graduado Voador's song "O Vento Levou o Mar" is a poetic exploration of the deep connection between capoeira, nature, and the human spirit. The lyrics repeatedly mention the wind taking the sea, a metaphor that suggests the unstoppable force of nature and the inevitability of change. This imagery is intertwined with the berimbau, a traditional instrument central to capoeira, symbolizing the cultural and spiritual essence of this Afro-Brazilian martial art.
The song delves into the duality of emotions experienced by a capoeirista (capoeira practitioner). The line "E tristeza é a alegria de um capoeira" (And sadness is the joy of a capoeirista) highlights the complex emotional landscape of capoeira, where joy and sorrow coexist. This duality is further emphasized by the berimbau's role in guiding the capoeirista's movements and songs, much like the wind guides the sea's currents. The berimbau is not just an instrument but a spiritual guide, leading the capoeirista through the ebb and flow of life.
Graduado Voador also touches on the universality and timelessness of capoeira. The lyrics state that capoeira has no language and does not need to be tied to its place of origin. This suggests that capoeira transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, becoming a universal expression of freedom and resilience. The act of bowing to the berimbau and following its rhythm symbolizes respect for tradition and the harmonious balance between the individual and the collective spirit of capoeira.