Capim da Lagoa
Paulo Diniz
The Rhythms of Rural Life in 'Capim da Lagoa'
Paulo Diniz's song 'Capim da Lagoa' is a vibrant and rhythmic celebration of rural life in Brazil. The repetitive chorus, 'E o capim da lagoa, o viado comeu,' which translates to 'And the grass of the lagoon, the deer ate,' sets a playful and earthy tone. This phrase can be seen as a metaphor for the natural cycle of life and the interconnectedness of all living things in the countryside. The deer eating the grass symbolizes the simple, yet profound, interactions within nature that sustain life in rural areas.
The verses of the song paint vivid pictures of daily activities and the cultural heritage of the Brazilian countryside. Diniz mentions jumping like a frog and making a 'badoque' (a slingshot), which are playful references to the resourcefulness and creativity of rural inhabitants. The line 'Oh desenrola desenrola carretel quem tá morto tá deitado e quem tá vivo tá em pé' translates to 'Oh, unwind, unwind the spool, who is dead is lying down and who is alive is standing up,' emphasizing the vitality and resilience of those living in the countryside.
Diniz also touches on his personal background, mentioning his father from Poção and his own birthplace, Pesqueira. This personal touch adds authenticity and a sense of belonging to the narrative. The song concludes with a reference to the 'calor da vaquejada,' or the heat of the cattle drive, which is a traditional and culturally significant event in rural Brazil. This final line encapsulates the hard work, tradition, and communal spirit that define rural life. Through 'Capim da Lagoa,' Paulo Diniz offers listeners a lively and heartfelt glimpse into the rhythms and realities of life in the Brazilian countryside.