À Margem

Madredeus, a Portuguese band known for their ethereal and melancholic sound, brings us 'À Margem,' a song that delves into themes of introspection and existential wandering. The lyrics, though sparse, are rich with metaphor and imagery, painting a picture of someone who finds solace and identity on the fringes of mainstream life. The repeated phrase 'À margem' (On the margin) suggests a state of being that is both detached and contemplative, where the individual feels at peace 'bem por sobre as águas' (well above the waters).

The song's verses explore the duality of existence on the margins. The singer expresses a sense of contentment and self-awareness, 'Serei sobre as águas, sabe bem' (I will be above the waters, it feels good). This suggests a deliberate choice to remain on the periphery, where one can observe life without being fully immersed in its chaotic flow. The imagery of 'margens, bravas, vagas' (margins, wild, vague) and 'margens, claras, vagas' (margins, clear, vague) further emphasizes the contrasting nature of this existence—both tumultuous and serene.

The final lines, 'Ausente, não sou diferente; - eu ando nas margens da corrente' (Absent, I am not different; - I walk on the margins of the current), highlight a sense of universality in this experience. The singer acknowledges that while they may be physically absent or detached, their journey on the margins is a shared human experience. The mention of time flying 'à toa' (aimlessly) reinforces the idea of a life lived in contemplation, where the passage of time is less about productivity and more about personal growth and understanding.