Desejo Antigo

Pedro Bento e Zé da Estrada's song 'Desejo Antigo' is a heartfelt ode to the simple, pastoral life of the Brazilian countryside, or 'sertão'. The lyrics are imbued with a deep sense of nostalgia and longing for a return to a simpler, more tranquil existence. The song opens with a desire for a simple rhyme to sing about the things left behind in the sertão, immediately setting a tone of wistfulness and reminiscence.

The imagery in the song is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a serene and idyllic rural landscape. The mention of a gently flowing stream, butterflies fluttering on a flower, and the morning song of the tangará bird all contribute to a sense of peace and natural beauty. The silence that falls to listen to the melody of the sabiá bird underscores the profound connection to nature and the simple joys it brings.

The chorus, 'Deixa seu moço eu sonhar, já que eu não posso voltar,' translates to 'Let me dream, sir, since I cannot return,' highlighting the singer's acceptance of the impossibility of returning to this cherished past. This refrain is a poignant reminder of the distance between the singer's current reality and the life they yearn for.

The second verse continues this theme of longing, with desires for a humble home, a stream to quench thirst, and a shady spot to hang a hammock. The imagery of a cabocla (a woman of mixed Indigenous and European descent) and the singer as a hummingbird in her garden adds a layer of romantic yearning. The desire to play a tuned viola and sing to a loved one in the afternoon further emphasizes the simplicity and contentment of this idealized life.

The song concludes with a beautiful depiction of the transition from day to night, with the sun setting, the moon rising, and the sounds of nocturnal creatures. This final verse encapsulates the beauty and tranquility of the natural world, reinforcing the singer's deep connection to and longing for the sertão.