Alma de Menino
Os Nonatos
Nostalgia and Innocence in 'Alma de Menino'
In 'Alma de Menino,' Os Nonatos take us on a heartfelt journey through the lens of nostalgia and the innocence of childhood. The song's lyrics express a deep yearning to reverse time and relive the simple, joyful moments of youth. The opening lines, 'Eu gostaria de inverter o tempo / E interditar a rota do destino,' set the tone for this wistful reflection, as the singer wishes to halt the march of time and destiny to revisit the fantasies stored in the soul of a child. The imagery of a road cutting through the yard and white flowers adorning the jars at home evokes a sense of pastoral beauty and familial warmth, painting a vivid picture of a simpler, more innocent time.
The song also touches on the idea that our children are reflections of who we once were, encapsulated in the lines, 'Os nossos filhos são do que nos fomos / Real semelhança.' This notion underscores the continuity of life and the enduring presence of childhood dreams within every adult. The playful memories of making toys from everyday objects, such as 'carro de flandres, cavalo de pau,' and using cigarette packs and leaves as pretend money, highlight the creativity and resourcefulness of a child's imagination.
As the song progresses, it laments the inevitable changes brought by time. The singer reminisces about playing with canaries, marbles, and kites, and the simple joys of childhood games. However, the poignant realization that 'Infelizmente mudou o cenário / Daquelas cenas que a infancia fez' acknowledges that these cherished moments are now part of a bygone era. The metaphor of a film that has played and cannot be watched again encapsulates the bittersweet nature of these memories, emphasizing the irreversible passage of time and the longing to experience those innocent days once more.