A Última Flor do Lacio

OlavoBilac's song "A Última Flor do Lácio" is a poetic homage to the Portuguese language, often referred to as the 'last flower of Latium.' The lyrics are rich with metaphors and cultural references, celebrating the language's beauty and complexity. The phrase 'última flor do lácio' itself is a metaphor, likening Portuguese to a rare and beautiful flower that has survived through time, despite being 'uncultivated and beautiful'—a nod to its raw, unrefined origins and its inherent splendor.

The song juxtaposes the language's splendor with its struggles, describing it as both 'splendor and sepulture.' This duality highlights the language's journey through history, from its Latin roots to its current form, often hidden and undervalued ('the brute mine among the pebbles'). The lyrics also evoke a sense of nostalgia and reverence, as the artist expresses love for the language's 'wild vigor' and 'aroma of virgin forests and wide ocean,' symbolizing its rich cultural heritage and expansive reach.

Bilac's admiration for Portuguese is deeply personal, as he recalls hearing it from his mother's voice and the poignant poetry of Luís de Camões, who lamented in exile. The language is portrayed as a vessel of both 'high clangor' and 'simple lyre,' capable of expressing profound emotions from 'the roar of the storm' to 'the lullaby of longing and tenderness.' Through this song, Bilac not only pays tribute to the linguistic beauty of Portuguese but also underscores its emotional and historical significance, making it a heartfelt ode to his mother tongue.