L'astronauta
Roberto Carlos
Escaping Earth: The Astronaut's Solitude
Roberto Carlos' song "L'astronauta" delves into themes of isolation, disillusionment, and the desire to escape from a world filled with sadness and conflict. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels utterly disconnected from the world around them, expressing a profound sense of loneliness and a lack of love. The repeated imagery of war and trembling earth underscores the chaos and instability that the protagonist wishes to flee from.
The metaphor of the astronaut is central to the song's narrative. By comparing himself to an astronaut, the protagonist envisions a life of solitude in the vast expanse of space, far removed from the pain and turmoil of earthly existence. This metaphor highlights the extreme lengths to which the protagonist is willing to go to find peace and escape from their current reality. The idea of avoiding contact with the spaceship further emphasizes the desire for complete isolation, suggesting that even the smallest connection to the world is too much to bear.
Roberto Carlos, known for his emotive and often melancholic musical style, uses this song to explore deep emotional and existential themes. The longing for escape and the sense of being unloved are universal feelings that many listeners can relate to, making the song both poignant and powerful. The astronaut's journey into space becomes a symbol of the ultimate retreat from a world that no longer offers solace or hope, resonating with anyone who has ever felt the need to withdraw from their surroundings to find inner peace.