Solidão

Alceu Valença's song 'Solidão,' which translates to 'Loneliness' in English, delves into the profound and often painful experience of being alone. The lyrics personify loneliness as a predatory beast, suggesting that it has the power to consume individuals. The repetition of the phrase 'A solidão é fera, a solidão devora' (Loneliness is a beast, loneliness devours) emphasizes the intensity and ferocity with which loneliness can affect a person's emotional state.

The song also explores the relationship between loneliness and time, describing loneliness as 'amiga das horas' (friend of the hours) and 'prima-irmã do tempo' (cousin-sister of time). This metaphorical kinship implies that loneliness is intimately connected with the passage of time, making it seem slower and more burdensome. The imagery of clocks walking slowly and causing a 'descompasso' (mismatch) in the heart highlights the dissonance between the internal emotional world and the external passage of time when one is lonely.

Valença extends the theme of loneliness to the cosmos, mentioning 'A solidão dos astros' (the loneliness of the stars), 'A solidão da Lua' (the loneliness of the Moon), 'A solidão da noite' (the loneliness of the night), and 'A solidão da rua' (the loneliness of the street). These lines evoke a sense of universal solitude, suggesting that loneliness is not just a personal experience but also a fundamental part of the natural world and human existence. The repetition of the word 'solidão' throughout the song serves as a haunting reminder of the pervasive nature of loneliness.