Antes Que Seja Tarde

Pato Fu's song 'Antes Que Seja Tarde' delves into the existential journey of self-discovery and the perpetual feeling of being out of place. The opening lines, 'Olha, não sou daqui / Me diga onde estou,' set the tone for a narrative of disorientation and a search for identity. The protagonist feels disconnected from their surroundings, unable to find a sense of belonging or a clear path forward. This sentiment is further emphasized by the lines 'Não há tempo não há nada / Que me faça ser quem sou,' suggesting a struggle against time and circumstances that prevent them from truly understanding themselves.

The recurring theme of leaving before forming attachments, 'Porque sempre parto antes que comece a gostar / De ser igual, qualquer um,' highlights a fear of conformity and losing one's individuality. The protagonist avoids becoming 'mais uma peça no final,' or just another cog in the machine, by constantly moving and never settling. This restlessness is both a defense mechanism and a source of continuous self-deception, as indicated by 'Distraindo a verdade, enganando o coração.' The act of distracting oneself from the truth and deceiving the heart suggests an ongoing internal conflict and a reluctance to face deeper emotional truths.

The song also touches on the theme of isolation, 'Penso outra vez estou sem meus amigos,' and the dangers that come with it, 'E retomo a porta aberta dos perigos.' The protagonist's journey is solitary, marked by a lack of direction and guidance, 'Não há placa nem pessoas informando aonde vão.' This sense of isolation and the open door to dangers symbolize the risks and uncertainties inherent in the quest for self-discovery. Ultimately, 'Antes Que Seja Tarde' is a poignant exploration of the human condition, capturing the essence of the eternal wanderer who is constantly searching for meaning and identity in a world that offers no easy answers.