Fazenda

Milton Nascimento's song 'Fazenda' is a beautiful ode to the simplicity and nostalgia of childhood. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a rural setting, where the natural elements like 'água de beber' (drinking water) and 'bica no quintal' (a spout in the backyard) symbolize the purity and simplicity of life. The 'sede de viver tudo' (thirst to live everything) reflects a child's boundless curiosity and eagerness to experience life. The repetition of 'era tão normal que o tempo parava' (it was so normal that time stopped) emphasizes the timelessness and innocence of these moments, where the passage of time seemed irrelevant.

The song also delves into the cyclical nature of life. The lines 'Eu era criança, hoje é você, e no amanhã, nós' (I was a child, today it's you, and tomorrow, us) highlight the generational continuity and the shared human experience. This cyclical theme is further reinforced by the imagery of the 'meninada respirava o vento' (children breathing the wind) and the elders sharing wisdom at night. The song captures the essence of a simpler time, where the connection to nature and family was paramount.

The vivid imagery of 'sabiá' (a type of bird), 'laranjeira' (orange tree), and 'manga rosa' (a type of mango) adds to the nostalgic feel, evoking memories of a lush, vibrant environment. The 'sol da manhã' (morning sun) symbolizes new beginnings and the promise of a new day. The song's conclusion, with 'tios na varanda, jipe na estrada' (uncles on the porch, jeep on the road), and the repeated 'e o coração lá' (and the heart there), evokes a sense of longing and the bittersweet nature of farewells. 'Fazenda' is a poignant reminder of the beauty of simple moments and the enduring impact of childhood memories.