À Beira do Pantanal

Raul Seixas' song 'À Beira do Pantanal' is a haunting narrative that delves into themes of love, regret, and the consequences of one's actions. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has committed the ultimate betrayal by killing his beloved. The setting of the Pantanal, a vast tropical wetland in Brazil, adds a layer of isolation and raw natural beauty to the tragic tale. The protagonist buries his lover's body by the Pantanal, and her voice continues to haunt him, questioning his motives for the fatal act.

The song's lyrics are rich with metaphors and vivid imagery. The act of burying his lover's body and the subsequent growth of grass and her hair symbolize the intertwining of life and death, love and loss. The blood that 'calmed the thirst of the earth' suggests a sacrificial element, as if the act was meant to appease some greater force. However, this does not absolve the protagonist of his guilt. The recurring question from his lover's voice, 'Why, my dear, why, my love, did you stab me?' underscores the torment and regret that plague him.

The man's imprisonment serves as a metaphor for his internal suffering and the inescapable nature of his guilt. Despite being physically confined, it is the emotional and psychological imprisonment that truly tortures him. The wind carrying his lover's voice symbolizes the omnipresence of his remorse and the inescapable nature of his actions. Raul Seixas, known for his eclectic style and philosophical lyrics, uses this song to explore the darker aspects of human emotion and the irreversible consequences of our actions.