Cantar de Emigração

The song 'Cantar de Emigração,' performed by Adriano Correia de Oliveira, is a poignant reflection on the theme of emigration and its impact on the community left behind. The lyrics, though simple, convey a deep sense of loss and longing that is characteristic of the emigration experience, particularly in the context of Galicia, a region known for its history of emigration.

The repeated lines 'Este parte, aquele parte / e todos, todos se vão' translate to 'This one leaves, that one leaves / and all, all are going,' emphasizing the mass departure of people from Galicia. The song laments the resulting emptiness, with fields of solitude and families torn apart. It speaks of mothers without children and children without fathers, painting a picture of a community fragmented by the absence of its members. The reference to 'Viúvas de vivos mortos' or 'widows of living dead' poignantly captures the grief of those left behind, as they mourn the living who are as good as dead to them because of the separation.

Adriano Correia de Oliveira was a Portuguese singer known for his political and protest songs during the 1960s and 1970s. His music often dealt with social issues, and 'Cantar de Emigração' is no exception. It reflects the cultural and emotional landscape of Galicia and Portugal during a time when many were forced to leave their homeland in search of better opportunities abroad, leaving a void in their communities and in the hearts of those who stayed.