Chamateia

António Zambujo's song 'Chamateia' is a poetic exploration of life's emotional landscape, using the metaphor of dance to navigate through joy and sorrow. The lyrics open with a vivid image of the island, a place that both nurtures and confines. The 'rimas deste canto' (rhymes of this song) and the 'mar alto desta terra' (high sea of this land) suggest a deep connection to one's roots and the natural world, yet also hint at the isolation and challenges that come with it. The 'razão do meu pranto' (reason for my tears) remains elusive, indicating a complex emotional state that is not easily understood or articulated.

The song then transitions to the 'terreiro da vida' (the courtyard of life), where everyday activities like dinner ('jantar') and supper ('ceia') become metaphors for how we cope with pain. Even the most profound sorrow ('dor mais sentida') can be transformed into something bearable through the act of dancing the 'chamateia'. This traditional dance becomes a symbol of resilience and the human capacity to find solace and joy amidst adversity.

The recurring mention of 'chamarrita' and 'sapateia' underscores the importance of dance as a form of emotional expression and release. The lines 'Se a sapateia não der / Pra acalmar minh´alma inquieta' (If the dance doesn't calm my restless soul) reveal a yearning for peace and stability. Yet, the singer remains open to whatever life brings ('Estou pro que der e vier'), embracing the unpredictable 'voltas da chamarrita' (turns of the dance). Ultimately, the song is a celebration of life's contradictions and the power of art to help us navigate through them, turning even the 'aperto desta bruma' (tightness of this fog) into a dance of defiance and hope.