Tapera

Vitor Ramil's song 'Tapera' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the remnants of a once-vibrant life now reduced to ruins. The term 'tapera' refers to an abandoned house or homestead, and Ramil uses this imagery to evoke a sense of nostalgia and loss. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a dilapidated ranch, once a bustling home for various inhabitants, now standing as a silent witness to the past. The 'rancho de barro caído' (fallen mud ranch) symbolizes the decay and abandonment that time brings, while the 'pé de umbú bem criado' (well-grown umbu tree) serves as a living reminder of the life that once thrived there.

The song delves into the memories etched into the landscape, from the 'sinal do palanque' (sign of the palisade) to the 'estrada da pipa' (road of the barrel). These remnants are not just physical markers but also emotional scars, as seen in the line 'tirar de riba do chão a cicatriz da tapera' (remove from the ground the scar of the tapera). Ramil's lyrics suggest a deep yearning to reconnect with the past, to 'gravar de novo' (engrave again) the memories that have faded with time. This longing is further emphasized by the imagery of the 'tronco de uma tronqueira' (trunk of a gate) that broke during a laborious task, symbolizing the hardships and efforts that once defined the place.

As night falls, the 'pedaço triste do pago' (sad piece of the land) becomes even more melancholic. The cattle, 'farejando' (sniffing) for a place to rest, and the 'gaudério' (wanderer) passing by with a sense of unease, add to the haunting atmosphere. The fear of encountering a 'assombro' (ghost) in the abandoned homestead underscores the eerie silence that now envelops the place. Ramil's use of regional dialect and cultural references enriches the song, making it a deeply personal and evocative piece that resonates with anyone who has experienced the passage of time and the inevitable changes it brings.