Estrelada
Milton Nascimento
A Celestial Ode to Earth: Milton Nascimento's 'Estrelada'
Milton Nascimento's song 'Estrelada' is a poetic and heartfelt tribute to Earth, personifying the planet as a nurturing and celestial being. The lyrics paint Earth as a 'menina do astro sol' (girl of the sun star) and 'rainha do mundo mar' (queen of the sea world), emphasizing her beauty and majesty. The imagery of Earth as a star-studded entity ('és tão estrelada') highlights her brilliance and the awe she inspires. Nascimento's use of metaphors like 'teu manto azul' (your blue mantle) and 'a floresta é teu vestido' (the forest is your dress) further personifies Earth, attributing to her a regal and nurturing presence that commands respect and admiration.
The song also touches on the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all creation. The lines 'respirar toda criação' (breathe all creation) and 'arco-íris vem coroar' (rainbow comes to crown) suggest a harmonious relationship between Earth and the elements, where rain and sunlight work together to create beauty. This harmony is contrasted with the behavior of humans, who 'não tem juízo' (have no judgment) and 'esqueceram tão grande amor' (forgot such great love). Nascimento laments the lack of appreciation and respect humans show towards Earth, despite her generosity in offering 'os teus tesouros' (your treasures).
In the final verses, Nascimento expresses a deep personal connection to Earth, declaring 'eu sou teu filho' (I am your child) and pledging his love and commitment to her. This declaration underscores the song's central theme of reverence and responsibility towards our planet. By personifying Earth and highlighting both her beauty and the neglect she suffers, 'Estrelada' serves as a poignant reminder of the need to cherish and protect our home.