Assum Preto

Rubel's song "Assum Preto" is a poignant and melancholic reflection on suffering and loss, using the metaphor of a blind blackbird to convey deep emotional pain. The song opens with a vivid description of a beautiful April sky and blooming forest, setting a stark contrast to the plight of the 'assum preto'—a blackbird whose eyes have been cruelly gouged out. This act of cruelty, whether out of ignorance or malice, forces the bird to sing out of pain, unable to see the light and beauty around it. The bird's blindness and its sorrowful song serve as a powerful metaphor for the human experience of suffering and loss.

The lyrics delve deeper into the bird's tragic existence, highlighting its freedom to roam but its inability to fly. This imagery evokes a sense of entrapment and longing, as the bird would prefer the confinement of a cage if it meant being able to see the sky. This sentiment reflects a universal human desire for freedom and the ability to experience the world fully, even if it comes with limitations. The bird's plight is a mirror to the singer's own sorrow, as he reveals that his love, the light of his eyes, has also been taken from him. This parallel between the bird's physical blindness and the singer's emotional blindness underscores the depth of his grief.

Rubel's use of the 'assum preto' as a central symbol in the song is deeply rooted in Brazilian culture, where the bird is often associated with themes of sadness and longing. The song's haunting melody and evocative lyrics create a powerful emotional experience, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of loss and the ways in which they cope with pain. Through this beautiful yet sorrowful song, Rubel captures the essence of human suffering and the enduring hope for a glimpse of light amidst the darkness.