Bela (2017)
A Bela e a Fera
The Yearning Heart of Bela: A Tale of Dreams and Differences
The song 'Bela (2017)' from 'A Bela e a Fera' captures the essence of a young woman named Bela, who feels out of place in her small, provincial village. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the monotonous daily life in the village, where everyone follows a predictable routine. Bela, however, stands out as someone who yearns for more than the simple life her village offers. Her interactions with the villagers, who greet each other with a repetitive 'Bonjour,' highlight her sense of isolation and her desire for something greater.
Bela's love for books and her vivid imagination set her apart from the other villagers. She is seen as 'strange' and 'distracted' because she immerses herself in stories of far-off places and grand adventures. Her conversation with Monsieur Jean and Père Robert reveals her longing for excitement and romance, as she mentions reading about lovers in Verona and traveling to the north of Italy in her mind. This intellectual curiosity and desire for adventure make her an enigma to the villagers, who cannot understand her passion for reading and her dreams of a different life.
The song also touches on themes of beauty and intelligence. While Bela's name means 'beauty,' the villagers recognize that there is more to her than just her appearance. They acknowledge her intelligence and her unique perspective, even if they do not fully understand or appreciate it. Bela's story is one of self-discovery and the pursuit of one's dreams, despite the constraints of societal expectations. Her journey reflects the universal desire to find one's place in the world and to be understood for who we truly are.