A Virxe do Portovello (part. Tanxugueiras)

Rozalén's song 'A Virxe do Portovello,' featuring Tanxugueiras, is a poignant and melancholic tribute to the sea and the lives it touches. The lyrics, sung in Galician, reflect a deep connection to maritime culture and the emotional toll it takes on those who live by and depend on the sea. The repetitive lines 'Eu canto para olvidare' (I sing to forget) emphasize the act of singing as a means of coping with sorrow and loss, a common theme in traditional folk music.

The song's central figure, the 'Virxe do Portovello' (Virgin of Portovello), is depicted as a guardian watching over the fishermen as they return from their perilous journeys. Her constant weeping symbolizes the collective grief of a community that has lost many to the unforgiving sea. This imagery is powerful, evoking a sense of shared mourning and the harsh realities faced by those who make their living from the ocean.

The recurring motif of a small boat ('barquiña') traveling close to the train tracks ('vía do tren') adds a layer of vulnerability and danger. It suggests the precarious nature of life at sea and the thin line between safety and disaster. The song's repetitive structure and haunting melody reinforce the themes of loss, longing, and the enduring hope for the safe return of loved ones. Rozalén and Tanxugueiras masterfully blend their voices to create a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the resilience and sorrow of maritime communities.