Lágrima

Amália Rodrigues' song 'Lágrima' (Tear) is a poignant expression of unrequited love and the pain it brings. The lyrics convey a deep sense of sorrow and yearning, as the singer describes the routine of going to bed and waking up filled with grief. The repetition of 'cheia de penas' (full of sorrows) emphasizes the overwhelming nature of her emotional state, which is further compounded by the 'jeito' (way) of loving someone so deeply.

The song's narrative explores the conflict between the heart and the mind. The singer claims to reject the object of her affection, insisting 'Não te quero' (I don't want you), yet admits to dreaming about them at night. This internal struggle is a classic theme in fado music, which often deals with the complexities of love and loss. The use of 'desespero' (despair) highlights the intensity of her feelings and the torment of being separated from her beloved.

The final verses of 'Lágrima' touch on the idea of death as a release from suffering. The singer contemplates her own mortality and the possibility of her beloved mourning her, suggesting that even a single tear shed for her would make death a joyful prospect. This dramatic sentiment reflects the fado genre's characteristic embrace of melancholy and the concept of 'saudade,' a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that is absent.