Tia Macheta

Berta Cardoso's song "Tia Macheta" is a poignant narrative steeped in the rich tradition of Fado, a genre known for its deep emotional expression and melancholic themes. The song tells the story of Severa, a woman waiting for her lover who never appears. In her despair, she turns to Tia Macheta, an old fortune-teller, to seek answers about his whereabouts. The imagery of the old woman with dirty hands shuffling worn-out cards sets a somber and mystical tone, reflecting the hopelessness and superstition that often accompany unfulfilled love.

The fortune-teller's reading is grim, predicting that the lover will not return and hinting at ominous signs and a journey involving a mysterious character. The mention of the "dama d’oiros" (lady of gold) and the "conde" (count) adds a layer of intrigue and social commentary, possibly alluding to the lover's entanglement with someone of higher social standing. Severa's offering of a coin to Tia Macheta in exchange for the reading underscores her desperation and the transactional nature of seeking solace in fortune-telling.

As the song progresses, the atmosphere grows darker with the tolling of heavy bells and the singing of vagrants outside, symbolizing the passage of time and the harsh reality of Severa's situation. The final lines reveal that the lover never returned, and Severa waited until dawn, marking the birth of the "fado triste da Mouraria" (the sad fado of Mouraria). This phrase encapsulates the essence of Fado music itself—an expression of sorrow, longing, and the enduring human spirit in the face of heartache.