Travessia do Eixão

Legião Urbana's song 'Travessia do Eixão' is a poignant reflection on the daily struggles and hopes of ordinary people. The lyrics revolve around a simple yet profound plea for safety while crossing the Eixão, a major thoroughfare in Brasília, Brazil. The repeated invocation to 'Nossa Senhora do Cerrado,' a fictional protector of pedestrians, underscores the vulnerability and the need for divine intervention in mundane activities like crossing the street. This plea is not just for physical safety but also for the emotional comfort of reaching a loved one's home, symbolized by 'a casa da Noélia.'

The repetition of the phrase 'Fazei com que eu chegue são e salvo' (Make sure I arrive safe and sound) highlights the anxiety and the precariousness of urban life. The Eixão, being a busy and potentially dangerous road, serves as a metaphor for the broader challenges and uncertainties faced by individuals in their daily lives. The song captures a universal human experience—the desire for protection and the hope to reunite with loved ones after navigating life's obstacles.

The cultural context of Brasília, with its unique urban planning and vast open spaces, adds another layer of meaning to the song. The reference to 'Nossa Senhora do Cerrado' ties the urban environment to the natural landscape of the Cerrado, a vast tropical savanna ecoregion of Brazil. This blend of urban and natural elements reflects the duality of modern life, where technological advancements coexist with a longing for spiritual and emotional grounding. Legião Urbana, known for their socially conscious lyrics, uses this song to evoke a sense of community and shared human experience, making it a timeless piece that resonates with listeners across different walks of life.