Cigarro de Palha/Boiadeiro

Maria Bethânia's song "Cigarro de Palha/Boiadeiro" paints a vivid picture of the simple yet fulfilling life of a cowboy. The lyrics are rich with imagery that evokes the rural Brazilian landscape and the daily routines of a boiadeiro, or cattle herder. The song opens with the protagonist describing his essential possessions: a straw cigarette, a swift horse, a mesh hammock, and a loyal dog. These items symbolize the simplicity and self-sufficiency of his life. As the morning light breaks, he leaves his hammock and mounts his horse, with his dog standing guard. This routine reflects a life deeply connected to nature and the rhythms of the day.

The song also touches on the cowboy's emotional landscape. Despite his contentment with his possessions and routine, he expresses a longing for a beautiful morena (a dark-haired woman) to complete his happiness. This yearning adds a layer of depth to the character, showing that even in a life filled with simple pleasures, there is still room for human connection and love. The repetition of the phrase "Que só me falta uma bonita morena, pra mais nada me faltar" emphasizes this desire, making it clear that love is the missing piece in his otherwise complete life.

In the second part of the song, "Boiadeiro," the focus shifts to the cowboy's duties and his relationship with his cattle. He describes his daily routine of guiding his cattle to pasture and back, always thinking of his loved one. The lyrics highlight the pride he takes in his work, even though he only has ten cattle, which he considers beautiful and valuable. The song concludes with a touching scene of his return home, where his beloved Rosinha eagerly awaits him. This part of the song underscores the importance of love and companionship in providing emotional fulfillment, even in a life that might seem solitary and rugged from the outside.

Overall, "Cigarro de Palha/Boiadeiro" is a celebration of the simple joys and deep emotional connections that define the life of a cowboy. It captures the essence of rural life in Brazil, blending themes of nature, routine, and love in a way that is both poignant and relatable.