Tiche

Cesaria Evora's song 'Tiche' is a heartfelt ode to a profound and transcendent love. The lyrics, sung in Cape Verdean Creole, convey a deep longing and commitment to a beloved named Tiche. The narrator speaks of being far away ('N staba na térra lonje') but feeling an irresistible pull from Tiche's love, strong enough to cross seas and skies ('N korta mar y séu'). This imagery suggests that love knows no physical boundaries and can bridge any distance.

The repeated desire to live in Tiche's embrace ('Já N krê vive na bo peitu') highlights the narrator's yearning for closeness and unity. The phrase 'bo é nha sina' translates to 'you are my destiny,' emphasizing that this love is not just a choice but a fated connection. The narrator pleads to be chosen ('Dexa-m ser bo eleitu') and to merge their life with Tiche's ('Juntá nha vida na bo vida'), indicating a desire for a lifelong partnership.

The song also touches on the divine nature of this love, describing it as a 'mistériu di Deus' (a mystery of God) and greater than the sea and sky ('Maiór ki mar y séu'). This suggests that the love the narrator feels is not only profound but also sacred and eternal. Cesaria Evora, known as the 'Barefoot Diva,' often sang about themes of love, longing, and the human condition, and 'Tiche' is a beautiful example of her ability to convey deep emotions through her soulful voice and evocative lyrics.