Século XXI
Raul Seixas
Lost in the Maze of Modernity: A Reflection on the 21st Century
Raul Seixas' song 'Século XXI' delves into the existential struggles and disorientation that characterize modern life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who has been wandering in circles for years, unable to remember their starting point. This imagery suggests a sense of aimlessness and confusion, a common sentiment in the fast-paced, ever-changing landscape of the 21st century. The desires and dreams that once propelled the individual forward have been scattered by the winds of time, leaving them fragmented and unfulfilled.
The song also touches on the theme of selling one's soul to chance, only to receive broken pieces of a once whole life in return. This metaphor highlights the randomness and unpredictability of modern existence, where people often find themselves at the mercy of circumstances beyond their control. The repeated line 'Se você correu, correu, correu tanto / E não chegou a lugar nenhum' (If you ran, ran, ran so much / And got nowhere) underscores the futility of relentless striving without a clear direction or purpose.
Seixas further explores the idea of crossing all boundaries and losing track of one's origins, a poignant reflection on the loss of identity and direction in contemporary society. The nightfall in one's existence symbolizes a period of darkness and uncertainty, where the essence of life seems lost and elusive. Despite the ongoing search for a bygone time, the individual remains trapped in the present, unable to find their way. The song's refrain, 'Baby oh Baby bem vinda ao Século XXI' (Baby oh Baby welcome to the 21st century), serves as a bittersweet welcome to the complexities and challenges of modern life, encapsulating the disillusionment and existential angst that many feel in this era.