O Dia da Saudade

Raul Seixas' song 'Dia da Saudade' is a vibrant and nostalgic celebration of memories and the passage of time. The title itself, which translates to 'Day of Longing,' sets the tone for a day dedicated to reminiscing and honoring the past. The repeated refrain 'Hoje é feriado é o dia da saudade' (Today is a holiday, it's the day of longing) emphasizes the significance of this day, suggesting that it is a time to pause and reflect on what has been lost or left behind.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a community coming together to celebrate this day. Seixas mentions various characters, such as 'seu Gaspar,' whose birthday is being celebrated, and the 'palhaço que come lixo' (the clown who eats garbage), who cleans the streets for the 'bloco do chorão' (the weeping block) to pass. These colorful figures add a sense of whimsy and surrealism to the song, highlighting Seixas' unique style of blending reality with fantasy. The imagery of 'velhas de varizes na calçada' (old women with varicose veins on the sidewalk) and children having no school further grounds the song in a specific cultural context, evoking a small-town atmosphere where everyone knows each other and participates in communal events.

The act of drinking to celebrate 'seu Gaspar's' birthday and the mention of a 'pé de macarrão' (a foot of macaroni) as a prize for the 'campeão do melhor glutão' (champion of the best glutton) adds a layer of humor and absurdity to the song. This playful approach to serious themes like nostalgia and longing is characteristic of Seixas' work, which often combines deep philosophical insights with a lighthearted, irreverent tone. Through 'Dia da Saudade,' Seixas invites listeners to embrace their memories, celebrate their past, and find joy in the shared experiences that bind them together.