Foi Deus

Amália Rodrigues' song 'Foi Deus' is a poignant reflection on the nature of fado music and the artist's connection to it. The lyrics express a deep sense of wonder and resignation about the origins of the singer's ability to sing fado, a traditional Portuguese music genre characterized by its melancholic and soulful melodies. The title, which translates to 'It was God,' suggests that the singer attributes her talent and the beauty of the world around her to a divine source.

The song delves into the emotional depth of fado, acknowledging the pain, sorrow, and sometimes the joy that it encapsulates. Rodrigues sings about not knowing why she sings fado in a tone filled with grief and lament, yet she recognizes that this expression soothes her soul. The lyrics metaphorically describe the singer's voice as a gift from God, alongside other natural wonders like the light in the eyes, the fragrance of roses, and the colors of the sun and moon. This spiritual perspective highlights the cultural significance of fado as more than just a music genre; it's an existential experience that connects the singer to the divine and to the universe.

The song also touches on themes of destiny and the bittersweet nature of life. Rodrigues refers to a 'rosary of sorrows' in her chest, which she counts and weeps while singing. This imagery suggests a sense of acceptance of the hardships in life, as well as the cathartic power of music to help cope with them. The act of singing becomes a way to bear the weight of these sorrows, and in doing so, perhaps find some solace.