No Rancho Fundo

The song 'No Rancho Fundo' by Renê e Ronaldo paints a vivid picture of a remote and desolate place, far removed from the bustling life of the city. The lyrics describe a ranch ('rancho') situated 'bem pra lá do fim do mundo' (well beyond the end of the world), where sorrow and longing are ever-present. This setting serves as a backdrop for the story of a melancholic man, whose deep sadness and solitude are palpable. The imagery of 'olhar triste e profundo' (sad and deep gaze) and 'olhos rasos d'água' (eyes brimming with tears) emphasizes the profound emotional pain experienced by this character.

The song delves into the life of this 'moreno' (a term often used in Brazilian Portuguese to describe a person with dark features), who finds solace in the moonlight and his guitar. The lyrics evoke a sense of isolation and resignation, as the man waits for the moon to appear, accompanied only by his cigarette. The moon, described as coming 'por esmola' (as alms), highlights the man's desperate need for any form of companionship or comfort. This poignant image underscores the depth of his loneliness and the starkness of his existence.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the entire environment of the 'rancho fundo' is affected by the man's sorrow. The once vibrant nature has become lifeless, with trees no longer sharing secrets and birds retreating to their nests. The pervasive sadness has cast a shadow over the natural world, illustrating the interconnectedness of human emotion and the environment. The final lines reveal that the man's downfall, from greatness to insignificance, is the root cause of this pervasive gloom. The 'casa de sapê' (thatched house) symbolizes his reduced circumstances, encapsulating the theme of lost grandeur and the enduring impact of personal despair on the world around him.