Deixando o Pago

Vitor Ramil's song "Deixando o Pago" is a poignant narrative that captures the essence of a gaucho's journey as he leaves his homeland. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist mounting his horse and setting off into the vast, open pampas, a landscape that is both desolate and beautiful. The imagery of the moon illuminating the countryside and the changing of the reins and poncho symbolize the transition and the readiness for a new chapter in life. This departure is not just physical but also emotional, as the gaucho reflects on leaving behind the familiar comforts of his childhood home, now shrouded in mist.

The song delves into the gaucho's deep connection to his roots and the bittersweet nature of his departure. He reminisces about his love for a morena (a dark-haired woman), the thrill of horse races, card games, and the simple pleasures of life such as a barbecue under the trees. These memories are tinged with a sense of loss and longing, as he acknowledges the inevitability of his journey away from the place he has always known. The mention of the moonlit night and the urge to cry upon seeing his old, dilapidated ranch underscores the emotional weight of leaving behind a life filled with cherished moments.

As the gaucho crosses the last gate from the fields to the road, he experiences a mix of freedom and melancholy. The song beautifully captures the duality of this freedom—riding a horse, sleeping by the roadside, and realizing the smallness of the world and the fleeting nature of life. The journey leads him to a roadside tavern where he encounters the lively sounds of an accordion and the possibility of a celebration, yet he remains an outsider, a wanderer. The song concludes with a reflection on destiny and the gaucho's solitary upbringing, tempered by experience. Despite his wanderings, he expresses a desire to return to his homeland, the place of his birth, highlighting the enduring bond with his roots.