Lago Verde-Azul

Helmo de Freitas' song 'Lago Verde-Azul' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the deep connection between humans and nature. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young boy's experiences and emotions as he navigates the natural world around him. The fear of walking alone, hearing voices and screams, and the sound of a boat's whistle all contribute to a sense of vulnerability and awe. The boy's wide-eyed wonder at the turbulent sea, which can be both sweet and salty, captures the unpredictable and powerful nature of the environment.

The imagery of the boy standing shirtless on the shore, with his pants rolled up and feeling the cold air, evokes a sense of raw, unfiltered interaction with nature. The mention of the 'Lagoa Dos Patos' (Duck Lagoon) as a 'true treasure' and a 'green-blue lake' placed by God in South America highlights the sacredness and beauty of this natural setting. The song reminisces about a time when the lagoon was teeming with life, with mullet fish dancing and dolphins and seagulls in flight. This vibrant ecosystem, once a symbol of abundance, is now a memory, as the singer laments the loss of these natural wonders.

The song also touches on the cultural and communal aspects of life by the lagoon. The nights of full moon, where people would sit on the sand to listen for the singing mermaid, create a sense of shared experience and folklore. The return to the lagoon, where the singer spent his childhood, brings a wave of nostalgia and sorrow as he sees the changes that have occurred. The lagoon, once a place of joy and wonder, now reflects his tears, symbolizing the loss of innocence and the passage of time. 'Lago Verde-Azul' is a heartfelt ode to a cherished place and a poignant reminder of the impact of environmental change on our memories and identities.