Orunmilá

Metá Metá's song 'Orunmilá' delves deep into the themes of destiny, time, and spiritual guidance, drawing heavily from Yoruba traditions and beliefs. The title itself references Orunmilá, the deity of wisdom and divination in Yoruba religion, who is believed to have the power to foresee and influence human destinies. The lyrics are rich with references to Ifá, a system of divination that uses sacred objects like ikin (palm nuts) and opelè (divination chain) to interpret the will of the gods.

The song opens with the idea that destiny is preordained, a 'traço de Odú' (a line of Odú), suggesting that our paths are written in the stars. The imagery of 'adivinhação, dança circular' (divination, circular dance) and 'voz oracular' (oracular voice) evokes a sense of ancient rituals and the cyclical nature of life. The line 'Onda vai e vem, futuro também' (The wave goes and comes, the future too) beautifully captures the ebb and flow of time, hinting at the interconnectedness of past, present, and future.

The lyrics also explore the concept of time as a fluid and ever-changing entity. The lines 'Se o presente já morreu, um segundo atrás, quem matou fui eu' (If the present has already died, a second ago, I was the one who killed it) and 'Se o presente renasceu, um segundo à frente, quem gerou fui eu' (If the present is reborn, a second ahead, I was the one who generated it) reflect on the power of individual actions in shaping one's destiny. This duality of creation and destruction underscores the responsibility we hold in our own lives.

Throughout the song, the 'Palavra de Ifá' (Word of Ifá) is a recurring motif, symbolizing the divine wisdom and guidance that comes from the spiritual realm ('direto do Orun'). The use of traditional Yoruba elements like 'pó de iyerosun' (iyerosun powder) and 'opon' (divination tray) further grounds the song in its cultural roots, offering a profound meditation on fate, spirituality, and the human condition.