Travessia

Milton Nascimento's 'Travessia' is a poignant song that delves into the themes of loss, resilience, and the journey of moving forward after heartbreak. The lyrics begin with the narrator expressing the darkness that has enveloped his life following the departure of a loved one. The sense of loss is palpable, and the admission of needing to cry despite being strong showcases the universal vulnerability that comes with heartache.

As the song progresses, the narrator describes a feeling of displacement, as if neither his home nor his current place truly belong to him. This sense of not belonging is a metaphor for the disorientation one feels when life is upended by loss. The lyrics 'Solto a voz nas estradas / Já não quero parar' (I raise my voice on the roads / I don't want to stop anymore) suggest a determination to move on, to find a voice and a path forward, even though the road is difficult and filled with obstacles ('Meu caminho é de pedra' - My path is made of stone).

Ultimately, 'Travessia' is about the transformation that occurs after a profound loss. The narrator resolves to live life without the person they've lost, to stop dreaming and start doing ('Já não sonho, hoje faço / Com meu braço o meu viver'). There is a shift from despair to a will to live, love, and not succumb to suffering if things don't work out. The song is a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and find new meaning in life, even after experiencing deep sorrow.