São Vicente Di Longe

Cesaria Evora's song "São Vicente Di Longe" is a poignant reflection on the island of São Vicente in Cape Verde, capturing the essence of longing, despair, and a glimmer of hope. The lyrics, sung in Cape Verdean Creole, paint a vivid picture of the island's struggles and the emotional turmoil of its inhabitants. The repetition of the phrase "Ken ke oiá Sãu Visente di lonje" (Who looks at São Vicente from afar) suggests a sense of distance and disconnection, both physically and emotionally, from the island's reality.

The song's verses describe a chaotic and aimless existence, with people running up and down without direction or hope. The imagery of climbing the Fortin and the tribunal without hope or fortune underscores the sense of futility and despair that pervades the island. This is further emphasized by the repeated lines "Sen rume, sen diresãu" (Without direction, without direction) and "Sen speransa, sen ventura" (Without hope, without fortune), highlighting the pervasive sense of hopelessness.

Despite the bleakness, there is a recurring invocation of divine figures, such as "Nósa Sinhóra da Lus" (Our Lady of Light) and "Sinhor de Sãu Visente" (Lord of São Vicente), who are seen as guiding and accompanying the people. This suggests a deep-rooted faith and a belief in eventual salvation, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. The line "Ke no ten fê di salvá un dia" (That we have faith to be saved one day) encapsulates this sentiment, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. Cesaria Evora's soulful voice and the melancholic melody further amplify the emotional weight of the song, making it a powerful ode to the resilience and faith of the people of São Vicente.