Catavento da Sé

António Zambujo's song 'Catavento da Sé' is a poetic reflection on the passage of time and the changes it brings to a small community. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of life in a neighborhood, where each character's story unfolds against the backdrop of the ever-turning weather vane ('catavento') of the Sé Cathedral. The song captures the essence of everyday life, with its mix of joy, sorrow, and the inevitable march of time.

The song begins by introducing various characters and their fates: Rosa moves to the city, Maria goes to see the sea, and Joana has grown old. These personal stories are juxtaposed with the narrator's static position, observing the world from his street. This contrast highlights the theme of change versus constancy. The mention of Dona Amélia's death and Amadeu's disillusionment adds a layer of melancholy, emphasizing the transient nature of life.

The recurring image of the weather vane on the Sé Cathedral serves as a powerful metaphor for the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The weather vane, which turns with the wind, symbolizes how life is subject to external forces beyond our control. The narrator's observation of the weather vane and the clock tower underscores the relentless progression of time, as well as the cyclical nature of life. The song's refrain, with its repetition of Maria's story and the narrator's promise to be waiting at the window, reinforces the themes of longing and the hope for return.

'Catavento da Sé' is a beautifully crafted song that uses simple yet evocative imagery to explore profound themes of time, change, and the human condition. António Zambujo's gentle, melancholic delivery adds depth to the lyrics, making the listener reflect on their own experiences of change and constancy in life.