Além-Tejo
Sétima Legião
The Flow of Time and Love in 'Além-Tejo'
Sétima Legião's song 'Além-Tejo' is a poetic exploration of love, memory, and the passage of time, set against the backdrop of the Alentejo region in Portugal. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, as the narrator reflects on a past encounter by a river, symbolizing the flow of time and emotions. The imagery of the river and the bridge serves as a metaphor for the connection and separation between the narrator and their lost love.
The repetition of the phrase 'passaste como um rio' (you passed like a river) emphasizes the transient nature of the relationship, suggesting that the person came into the narrator's life and left just as quickly, leaving a lasting impact. The river, a common symbol in literature and music, represents the unstoppable flow of time and the inevitability of change. The narrator's inability to 'pass without you' highlights the deep emotional bond and the sense of incompleteness felt in the absence of the loved one.
The song also touches on themes of identity and loss, as the narrator learns the name of their lost love 'além Tejo' (beyond the Tagus River), hinting at a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation with the past. The Alentejo region, known for its vast landscapes and historical significance, adds a layer of cultural depth to the song, grounding the personal narrative in a specific place and time. Through its evocative lyrics and melancholic tone, 'Além-Tejo' captures the universal experience of love and loss, resonating with listeners on an emotional level.