Estrada velha

The song "Estrada velha" by Lourenço e Lourival is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the changes that come with it. The lyrics evoke a deep sense of nostalgia, as the singer reminisces about the old road that no longer sees any travelers. This road serves as a powerful metaphor for the singer's own life journey, marked by moments of joy, sorrow, and disillusionment.

The song opens with a lament about the old road, drawing a parallel between its desolation and the singer's own feelings of being neglected and forgotten. The mention of God's creation of both beauty and sadness highlights the duality of life, where moments of happiness are often accompanied by pain and longing. The singer reflects on childhood memories, recalling the innocence and eagerness to learn, symbolized by the daily walk to school with a sack over the shoulder. This imagery underscores the simplicity and purity of those early years, contrasting sharply with the present sense of loss and abandonment.

As the song progresses, the singer recounts vivid memories of the road, such as the dust from cattle drives and the playful shouts of the cowherds. These scenes paint a picture of a vibrant past, filled with activity and life. However, the present reality is starkly different, with the road now empty and forgotten. The singer's return from a long journey, with a viola in hand to chase away sorrows, signifies a search for solace and meaning in a world that offers no guarantees. The comparison between the road and the singer's destiny emphasizes the inevitability of change and the transient nature of life.

"Estrada velha" is a touching exploration of memory, loss, and the passage of time. It captures the essence of human experience, where the past is a source of both comfort and pain, and the future remains uncertain and unpredictable.