A Cidade E Os Campos

Madredeus' song 'A Cidade E Os Campos' paints a vivid picture of the stark contrast between the serene countryside and the cold, isolating city life. The lyrics begin by describing the peaceful and idyllic setting of the countryside, where the singer reminisces about the simple pleasures of nature. The imagery of hearing the fountains sing and kissing the waters of the streams evokes a sense of tranquility and connection with the natural world. This part of the song highlights the beauty and solace found in rural landscapes, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

However, the tone shifts dramatically as the singer reflects on the present. The line 'Mas de tudo já esqueceste' (But you have forgotten everything) suggests a sense of loss and change. The singer laments how everything in the world changes, and this change has led to a sense of sadness and loneliness. The city is described as 'escura e fria' (dark and cold), emphasizing the emotional and physical distance from the warmth and comfort of the countryside. The city life is portrayed as an 'agonia' (agony), highlighting the singer's deep sense of despair and disconnection.

Madredeus, known for their melancholic and reflective music, often explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time. 'A Cidade E Os Campos' is a poignant reflection on how the environment we live in can profoundly affect our emotional well-being. The song captures the longing for a simpler, more harmonious life and the sorrow that comes with the inevitable changes and losses that life brings. Through its evocative lyrics and haunting melody, the song resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of change and the yearning for a place that feels like home.