Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: forro
Song Meaning of “Linha 171 (Poinçonneur Des Lilas)” by Orquestra Do Fubá
“Linha 171 (Poinçonneur Des Lilas)” is a masterfully crafted exploration of a man’s inner conflict between his mundane, systematic life and his desire for something more. The protagonist of the song is a train conductor–the poinçonneur des lilas–who is struggling to make it through each day with the same monotonous routine and the same crowds of passengers. He longs to escape his circular existence, but is stuck in limbo as he’s confined to his post and never allowed the escape.
The lyrics are poignant and indicative of his inner turmoil. The chorus uniquely divides the song–”Le temps passe et chaque jour/Mais moi, je reste ici” (Time passes and each day/But I stay here)–it’s a reminder that the train conductor is perpetually stuck at his post, but his heart and soul are part of a bigger story that he is just waiting for the right opportunity to uncover. Similarly, further in the song, “je veux partir, je veux m’en aller” (I want to go, I want to leave) reflects his longing to break free and live the life he dreams of living.
“Linha 171 (Poinçonneur Des Lilas)” is a tribute to those who daily toil away in a job they detest, wishing to be free and have control of their lives. It is a stunningly sad song, capturing a person’s feeling of entrapment and demanding self-fulfilling ambition.