Mãe de Carvão

In 'Mãe de Carvão,' Liu e Léu take us on an emotional journey back to the protagonist's rural roots. The song begins with the narrator leaving the city, driven by a deep sense of nostalgia, to return to his childhood home in the countryside. This return is not just a physical journey but an emotional pilgrimage, as he revisits the old farmhouse, the mill, and the barn, all of which are steeped in memories. The vivid imagery of the barbed wire fence and the robust angico tree adds a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the scene.

As the narrator approaches the house, he encounters a rose bush that scratches him, symbolizing the bittersweet nature of his return. The rose bush, with its red roses, serves as a metaphor for the love and pain intertwined in his memories. Inside the house, the old stove and the familiar walls bring back a flood of emotions. The most poignant moment comes when he sees a charcoal drawing on the wall, a relic from his past. This drawing, despite being weathered by time and rain, has been 'retouched' by nature, symbolizing the enduring nature of his memories and the passage of time.

The drawing depicts a mother holding her child, a powerful image that brings the narrator to a standstill. This moment encapsulates the essence of the song: the enduring bond between mother and child. The narrator's prayer to his mother, whom he describes as a 'great treasure' and 'made of gold, not charcoal,' underscores the deep respect and love he holds for her. The song concludes with the narrator acknowledging that, despite the chaotic paths he has walked in life, he is nothing without his mother's protection. This heartfelt tribute to maternal love and the importance of one's roots resonates deeply, making 'Mãe de Carvão' a touching ode to family and heritage.