Song meaning of Budismo Moderno by Arnaldo Antunes

The song "Budismo Moderno" by Arnaldo Antunes conveys a deep reflection on the transient and impermanent nature of life and the inevitable reality of death. 

The lyrics depict a sense of detachment and acceptance towards the decay and destruction of the narrator's own existence. The lines "Que importa a mim que a bicharia roa / Todo meu coração, depois da morte?!" (What does it matter to me if the vermin eat away / All of my heart, after death?!) demonstrate a detachment from material possessions and a recognition that after death, worldly concerns hold no significance.

The mention of a vulture landing on the narrator's "sorte" (luck) hints at the idea of fate and how the narrator feels at the mercy of external forces. This image, combined with the reference to the disintegration of diatoms, signifies the temporary and fragile nature of life.

The lyrics evoke a sense of resignation, as the narrator declares, "Dissolva-se, portanto, minha vida" (Therefore, let my life dissolve). This acceptance of dissolution and the comparison of life to a fallen cell highlight the inevitability of death and the transitory nature of human existence.

However, the last two lines bring a contrasting theme of eternal longing. The mention of the "agregado abstracto das saudades" (the abstract aggregate of longings) beating against the perpetual bars of the last verse suggests an enduring yearning for something beyond the physical realm.

Overall, the song "Budismo Moderno" presents a contemplative and introspective interpretation of life and death, portraying a sense of detachment, acceptance, and longing for something more profound and lasting.