Beco do Mota

Milton Nascimento's song 'Beco do Mota' is a poignant reflection on memory, change, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a deserted alley, once vibrant and full of life, now empty and forgotten. The recurring imagery of 'homens e mulheres na noite' (men and women in the night) suggests a sense of wandering and searching, perhaps for a lost past or a sense of belonging. The 'procissão deserta' (deserted procession) and 'profissão deserta' (deserted profession) evoke a feeling of abandonment and desolation, highlighting the stark contrast between the past and the present.

The song also touches on themes of colonialism and its lingering effects. The references to 'colonial vazio' (empty colonial) and 'pedra fria' (cold stone) suggest a sense of emptiness and loss, as the once lively and bustling alley has been reduced to a mere shadow of its former self. The line 'onde era o vivo fez-se o morto' (where there was life, now there is death) further emphasizes this transformation, as the vibrant life of the past has been replaced by a cold, lifeless present.

Despite the melancholy tone, there is also a sense of resilience and hope in the song. The repeated refrain 'viva o meu país' (long live my country) suggests a deep love and pride for Brazil, despite its flaws and challenges. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the people coming together to remember and honor the past, even as they face an uncertain future. 'Beco do Mota' is a powerful and evocative song that captures the complexities of memory, change, and identity in a rapidly changing world.