Esquilador

Telmo de Lima Freitas' song "Esquilador" paints a vivid picture of the life and struggles of a shearer, a person who shears sheep. The song opens with the anticipation of shearing season, a time that brings a different flavor to the day. The repetitive motion of the shears, the physical strain on the shearer's arm, and the camaraderie among workers are all highlighted, creating a sense of community and shared labor.

The lyrics delve deeper into the shearer's life, describing the tools of the trade, such as the coarse apron and the belt, and the small comforts like a drink to ward off the heat. The shearer's soul is likened to the white fleece, pure and hardworking, yet the years of labor have taken their toll. The song reflects on the passage of time and the changes in the shearer's life, questioning where the familiar work has gone and expressing a sense of loss and nostalgia.

As the song progresses, it touches on the shearer's adaptation to new circumstances, such as the shift from manual shearing to motorized shearing, which brings a sense of disorientation and loss. The shearer reminisces about the past, when life was simpler and more predictable. The lyrics also mention a card game, symbolizing the risks and gambles of life, where the shearer loses despite his efforts. Ultimately, the song speaks to the shearer's desire to return to his roots, to the frontier, to find himself again and rejuvenate his spirit.

"Esquilador" is a poignant reflection on the life of a laborer, capturing the essence of hard work, the passage of time, and the longing for a simpler past. It resonates with anyone who has experienced the challenges of adapting to change and the deep-seated desire to reconnect with one's origins.