Carro de Boi

Milton Nascimento's song 'Carro de Boi' captures a deep yearning for simplicity and escape from the complexities of modern life. The lyrics express a desire to embark on a journey in a traditional ox cart, a symbol of a slower, more grounded way of life. This imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when life was less hurried and more connected to nature. The ox cart, or 'carro de boi,' represents a means of travel that is unhurried and allows for a deeper connection with the land and oneself.

The song's lyrics convey a longing to leave behind the familiar and venture into the unknown. The repeated phrase 'Que vontade eu tenho de sair' (How I long to leave) underscores a strong desire for change and exploration. The journey described is one that leads away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, taking the traveler down dirt roads that 'Só me leva, só me leva' (only take me, only take me) and never bring them back. This suggests a one-way journey towards self-discovery and new experiences, free from the constraints of returning to the past.

Milton Nascimento's poetic lyrics also touch on themes of self-reflection and the search for meaning. The lines 'Pés no chão e os olhos vão / Procurar, onde foi / Que eu me perdi' (Feet on the ground and eyes will / Search, where was it / That I got lost) indicate a quest to find oneself and understand where one may have lost their way. The journey in the ox cart becomes a metaphor for this introspective search, as the traveler seeks to reconnect with their roots and rediscover their true self amidst the 'Barro, pedra, pó' (mud, stone, dust) of the road.