Peguei Um Ita No Norte

Nana Caymmi's song 'Peguei Um Ita No Norte' is a poignant narrative of migration and the emotional complexities that come with leaving one's homeland. The lyrics tell the story of a person who leaves Belém do Pará, a city in northern Brazil, to move to Rio de Janeiro. The repeated phrase 'Adeus, Belém de Pará' underscores the sorrow and finality of this departure. The use of 'Ita,' a reference to the Itapemirim bus company, symbolizes the journey and the physical distance between the old life and the new one.

The song captures the bittersweet nature of migration. The protagonist sells their belongings and receives advice from their mother, highlighting the practical and emotional preparations for such a significant life change. The mother's advice to 'ande direito' (walk straight) so that 'Deus lhe ajudar' (God will help you) reflects the cultural importance of family guidance and moral conduct. This advice serves as a moral compass for the protagonist as they navigate their new life in Rio.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the protagonist has been in Rio for a long time, 'Pro mês intera dez anos' (Next month will make ten years). This line reveals the passage of time and the enduring impact of the initial decision to leave. The song ends with another farewell to Belém, suggesting a lingering connection to the homeland despite the years spent away. Nana Caymmi's emotive delivery and the melancholic melody further amplify the themes of longing, change, and the enduring ties to one's roots.