O Velho e o Moço
Los Hermanos
Embracing the Journey: A Reflection on Life's Choices
Los Hermanos' song 'O Velho e o Moço' delves into the introspective journey of self-acceptance and the contemplation of life's choices. The lyrics reflect a mature perspective on aging and the acceptance of one's past decisions. The protagonist expresses a sense of contentment with the passage of time, acknowledging the wisdom that comes with age. The line 'Deixo tudo assim, não me importo em ver a idade em mim' (I leave everything as it is, I don't mind seeing age in me) encapsulates this acceptance and the peace found in embracing one's life as it is.
The song also explores the theme of self-awareness and the consequences of one's actions. The protagonist recognizes the criticisms from others, such as 'Sei do incômodo e ela tem razão' (I know the discomfort and she is right), but chooses to live authentically, valuing the experiences and lessons learned along the way. This is evident in the lines 'Eu gosto é do gasto' (I like the wear) and 'Eu gosto é do estrago' (I like the damage), suggesting a preference for a life fully lived, with all its imperfections and mistakes.
Furthermore, 'O Velho e o Moço' touches on the idea of destiny and personal choice. The protagonist questions what might have been if they had made different choices, pondering 'E se eu fosse o primeiro a voltar pra mudar o que eu fiz, quem então agora eu seria?' (And if I were the first to go back to change what I did, who would I be now?). Despite these reflections, there is a strong sense of acceptance and ownership of one's path, as seen in 'Ah, se o que eu sou é também o que eu escolhi ser, aceito a condição' (Ah, if what I am is also what I chose to be, I accept the condition). The song ultimately conveys a message of embracing the unpredictability of life and finding harmony in the choices made, with the line 'Que o acaso é amigo do meu coração' (That chance is a friend of my heart) highlighting the protagonist's trust in the serendipitous nature of life.