Lamento Sertanejo

Gilberto Gil's song "Lamento Sertanejo" is a poignant reflection on the life and struggles of someone from the Brazilian hinterlands, known as the sertão. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person deeply connected to their rural roots, feeling out of place in the urban environment. The sertão, characterized by its harsh landscapes and traditional ways of life, is a stark contrast to the bustling city, and this dichotomy is at the heart of the song's lament.

The song's protagonist expresses a sense of alienation and discomfort in the city, where they feel like a fish out of water. The lines "Eu quase não saio / Eu quase não tenho amigos" (I almost don't go out / I almost don't have friends) highlight the isolation and loneliness experienced by someone who is used to the close-knit community of the countryside. The sertanejo's struggle to adapt to city life is further emphasized by their preference for the simple comforts of home, such as a firm bed and traditional foods like torresmo (pork cracklings).

Gilberto Gil uses powerful metaphors to convey the protagonist's sense of dislocation. The comparison to a "rês desgarrada" (stray cattle) in a "multidão boiada" (herd of cattle) walking aimlessly underscores the feeling of being lost and out of place. This imagery evokes the sertanejo's longing for the familiar and the difficulty of navigating the impersonal and overwhelming urban landscape. The song is a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and enduring spirit of those who come from the sertão, capturing the essence of their identity and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world.