Samba Quadrado
Milton Carlos
A Square Samba of Longing and Heartache
Milton Carlos's song "Samba Quadrado" is a poignant exploration of longing, heartache, and the complexities of love. The title itself, which translates to "Square Samba," suggests a departure from the traditional, fluid rhythms of samba, perhaps symbolizing the rigid and constrained emotions the singer is experiencing. The lyrics convey a deep sense of yearning and the pain of separation, as the singer creates a 'square' samba to express his feelings.
The song opens with the singer stating that he has crafted a 'square' samba to make the listener feel the vastness of the distance between them and the finality it brings. This metaphorical distance is not just physical but emotional, highlighting the growing chasm in their relationship. The singer uses vivid imagery, such as turning a dark street into a piece of the moon to illuminate the listener, and crafting verses and rhymes to annoy them, indicating a mix of affection and frustration.
As the song progresses, the singer reveals his attempts to cope with the separation. He uses his guitar as a solace and transforms the past into the present and the present into the future, all in a bid to bring the listener back. The mention of 'Lourinha,' a term of endearment, and 'gotinha d'água,' a drop of water, symbolizes the small yet significant presence of the loved one in his life, despite the sorrow they bring. The singer's willingness to cry for the world and lie to the listener underscores the depth of his emotional turmoil and the lengths he is willing to go to mend the relationship.
"Samba Quadrado" is a heartfelt expression of the pain of love and the desperate measures one takes to bridge the emotional distance. It captures the essence of longing, the struggle to find solace, and the bittersweet nature of love that brings both joy and sorrow.