Meaning of Outubro (October) by Milton Nascimento

The Poignant Melancholy of "Outubro" by Milton Nascimento

A Lamentation of Loneliness

Milton Nascimento’s "Outubro" is a poignant and introspective song that explores the human experience of loneliness, longing, and the quest for meaning and purpose. The song’s lyrics are a powerful expression of the narrator’s feelings of disconnection and emptiness, despite being surrounded by people. "Deixo tudo deixo nada, só do tempo, eu não posso me livrar, e ele corre para ter meu dia de morrer", or "I leave everything, leave nothing, only time, I cannot escape it, and it is rushing towards the day of my death", is a haunting reflection on the inevitability of mortality.

As I listened to the song for the first time, I was struck by the sense of resignation that pervades the lyrics. The narrator seems to accept the fact that their life is slowly slipping away, and they are powerless to stop it. But beneath this resignation lies a deep longing for connection and love. The line "Vou achar um novo amor, vou morrer só quando for, ah, jogar no meu braço no mundo, fazer meu Outubro de homem, matar com amor essa dor", or "I will find a new love, I will die only when it’s time, ah, to embrace the world, to make my October as a man, to kill this pain with love", speaks to the human desire for intimacy and the need to find purpose in life.

A Metaphor for the Human Experience

The title "Outubro" is significant in this context, as it can be seen as a metaphor for the changing seasons and the idea of starting anew. October marks the end of summer, a time of harvest and transition, and the song’s themes of mortality, loneliness, and the quest for love and purpose are reflective of this cyclical nature of life. Just as the seasons change, so too do we undergo our own transformations, struggling to find meaning and direction in the face of uncertainty.

A Message of Hope

Despite the melancholy tone of the song, "Outubro" ultimately offers a message of hope. The narrator’s resignation gives way to a sense of acceptance and a determination to find love and purpose before it’s too late. The song’s message is one of impermanence and the importance of making the most of the time we have. By embracing the present and finding ways to connect with others, we can overcome even the darkest of feelings and find a sense of peace and fulfillment.

A Personal Connection

Personally, I have always found "Outubro" to be a deeply relatable song. There have been times in my life when I felt lost and disconnected, struggling to find my place in the world. But the song’s themes of love, longing, and mortality have helped me to perspective and to focus on what truly matters. In the end, it’s not about the destination, but about the journey, and "Outubro" is a powerful reminder of the importance of living in the present and cherishing the time we have with loved ones.

A Timeless Classic

Milton Nascimento’s "Outubro" is a timeless classic, a song that continues to resonate with listeners around the world. Its themes of loneliness, longing, and mortality are universal, and its message of hope and resilience is a beacon of light in the face of darkness. Whether you’re struggling to find your place in the world or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience, "Outubro" is a song that will stay with you long after the music fades away.

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