Sertão Vazio

The song 'Sertão Vazio' by Tião Carreiro e Paraíso is a poignant lament for the desolation and decline of the Brazilian hinterlands, known as the 'sertão.' The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a once-thriving land now reduced to emptiness and sorrow. The sertão is described as a 'giant asleep,' with a 'wounded heart,' symbolizing the deep emotional and physical scars inflicted upon the land and its people. The imagery of a 'nest without a bird' and a 'garden without a flower' underscores the loss of life and vibrancy, marking the beginning of pain and the end of peace.

The song delves into the causes of this desolation, attributing it to the actions of the 'owners of the world,' whose 'vibrant blows' have caused the sertão to fall into a deep slumber. This can be interpreted as a critique of industrialization, modernization, and perhaps even political decisions that have led to the neglect and exploitation of rural areas. The 'old traditions' that have 'fallen forever' signify a loss of cultural heritage and identity, leaving behind only the 'breeze to moan.' The natural elements, such as the murmuring stream and the weeping moon, personify the land's sorrow and the profound impact of these changes.

The final verses of the song express a deep personal grief and a sense of helplessness. The singer, now living in the city, feels like a 'poor wretch' far from the fields, harvesting only bitterness. The sertão is depicted as slowly dying, suffering in silence, much like 'dew drops disappearing into the ground.' The imagery of 'tears of blood' and 'many sertanejos with wounded souls' highlights the human cost of this environmental and cultural devastation. The song ends with a powerful declaration of love and loyalty to the sertão, emphasizing its fundamental importance to the nation's identity and survival. The sertão is described as a 'powerful root,' without which the country cannot stand.