Medo

Amália Rodrigues, often hailed as the 'Queen of Fado,' delves deep into the human psyche with her song 'Medo.' The title, which translates to 'Fear,' sets the tone for a haunting exploration of inner turmoil and existential dread. The lyrics reveal a profound sense of isolation and vulnerability, as the narrator confesses that fear is her constant companion. This fear is not just an abstract concept but a tangible presence that shares her bed and whispers in the silence of the night.

The song's imagery is rich and evocative, painting a picture of a solitary figure rocked by the ebb and flow of loneliness. The fear is personified, described as something that cradles her in a 'vai-vem de solidão' (a to-and-fro of solitude). This metaphor suggests a cyclical, almost nurturing relationship with fear, highlighting its inescapable nature. The silence that speaks with the 'voz de móvel que estala' (voice of creaking furniture) adds to the eerie atmosphere, suggesting that even inanimate objects are complicit in her torment.

In the final stanza, the narrator's desperation reaches a climax. She cries out for salvation from the internal demons that plague her, even contemplating suicide as a means of escape. However, the fear is omnipresent, waiting for her 'ao pé da ponte do fim' (at the foot of the bridge of the end). This chilling conclusion underscores the futility of trying to outrun one's fears, suggesting that they are an integral part of the human experience. Amália Rodrigues' poignant delivery and the melancholic melody further amplify the song's emotional weight, making 'Medo' a powerful meditation on the nature of fear and loneliness.