Boiada

Pedro Bento e Zé da Estrada's song "Boiada" is a poignant reflection on the life of a cowboy, filled with themes of solitude, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a lonely journey, where the cowboy's heart mirrors the dusty, desolate road he travels. The repetition of the word "boiada" (cattle) serves as a metaphor for the cowboy's own life, burdened with memories and unfulfilled hopes.

The song delves into the cowboy's past, revealing a life marked by early departure from home and the subsequent isolation. He reminisces about leaving his family as a boy, never to return, and the emotional toll it has taken on him. The mention of his family members—his sister, mother, father, and brother—highlights the passage of time and the changes that have occurred in his absence. This sense of loss and disconnection is palpable, as he imagines the lives they now lead without him.

Nature plays a significant role in the cowboy's solitary existence. The moon, wind, and stars become his companions, offering him comfort and a sense of security in the vast, empty landscape. The imagery of the moon kissing his face and the wind serenading him underscores the deep connection he feels with the natural world, even as he remains isolated from human companionship. The song's closing lines, where the cowboy disguises his tears and the dust forms a message in the sky, encapsulate the enduring sadness and resilience of a life spent on the road, forever marked by the memories of a distant home.