Gemedeira
Amelinha
A Passionate Serenade Under the Moonlight
In Amelinha's song 'Gemedeira,' the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a romantic encounter under the moonlight. The narrator begins by gazing at the moon when a woman catches his eye. This moment of connection quickly blossoms into love, symbolized by the metaphor of riding Saint George's horse, a reference to a legendary figure known for his bravery and chivalry. The imagery of 'seven leagues of passion' and continuous sighing conveys the depth and intensity of this newfound love.
The song's chorus, 'Ai, ai, ai, é bom que dói / Ui, ui, ui, chega a sangrar,' captures the bittersweet nature of love. The pleasure and pain of love are intertwined, much like a kiss that starts and is hard to stop. The woman requests a 'xote,' a traditional Brazilian dance, and the narrator's love for her is so profound that it makes him 'moan' with emotion. This moaning, or 'gemedeira,' becomes a metaphor for the overwhelming and consuming nature of love.
As the song progresses, the narrator finds himself in a confrontation with a landowner while sitting on a rock. Despite the threat of violence, symbolized by 'a hundred pistol shots' and 'seven dagger wounds,' the narrator proudly declares himself a 'violeiro,' or guitarist. This declaration signifies his identity and passion for music, which remains unshaken even in the face of danger. The song beautifully intertwines themes of love, passion, and the resilience of the human spirit, all set against the backdrop of Brazilian culture and folklore.