Viola Divina

The song 'Viola Divina' by Tião Carreiro e Pardinho is a heartfelt tribute to the viola, a traditional Brazilian string instrument. The lyrics express a deep, almost spiritual connection between the singer and his viola, portraying it as an essential part of his life and identity. The opening lines set the tone, with the singer vowing to die with the viola in his arms, emphasizing its irreplaceable role in his existence. The viola is described as being made of jacarandá and canela wood, materials that add to its sacred and cherished nature. This instrument is not just a tool for making music; it is a companion in both joy and sorrow, a source of livelihood, and a symbol of divine inspiration.

The song draws a parallel between the viola and the sacred, comparing its twelve strings to the twelve apostles in the Last Supper painting. This metaphor elevates the viola to a holy status, suggesting that it holds a special place in the singer's life, much like the apostles in Christian tradition. The repetition of the number twelve throughout the song—twelve months in a year, twelve hours in a day and night—further underscores the viola's omnipresence and its integral role in the passage of time and life itself. The singer's joy and fulfillment are deeply tied to this 'divine' instrument, which has given him everything he ever wanted.

The lyrics also touch on the themes of peace and creativity, contrasting the ease of making war with the challenge of creating poetry. The singer's plea to God to 'kill death' so that the cantador (singer) can live forever through his music highlights the eternal nature of art and the artist's desire for immortality. The song concludes with a bold declaration that even in the year 2000, if only one viola remains, it will be his, continuing to resonate with divine inspiration. The final lines assert that those who do not appreciate the viola do not appreciate God, reinforcing the sacred bond between the instrument, the artist, and the divine.