Mãe

Caetano Veloso's song 'Mãe' is a poignant exploration of loneliness, longing, and the enduring presence of a maternal figure. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of deep melancholy and introspection, as the narrator grapples with feelings of isolation and unfulfilled desires. The opening lines, 'Palavras, calas, nada fiz / Estou tão infeliz,' set the tone for the song, expressing a profound sense of unhappiness and the futility of words in alleviating this sorrow. The repetition of 'brilhas' (you shine) throughout the song suggests that despite the narrator's desolation, there is a persistent, radiant presence that offers some solace.

The song employs rich metaphors and vivid imagery to convey the narrator's emotional state. References to 'guitarras, salas, vento, chão' (guitars, rooms, wind, ground) and 'cidades, mares, povo, rio' (cities, seas, people, river) paint a picture of a world filled with movement and life, yet the narrator remains disconnected from it all. The line 'Eu sou um homem tão sozinho' (I am such a lonely man) encapsulates the core of the song's theme—an overwhelming sense of solitude. However, the presence of 'mãe' (mother) is a recurring motif that symbolizes comfort, warmth, and an unbreakable bond, even in her absence.

The interplay between the narrator's solitude and the shining presence of the mother figure creates a dynamic tension throughout the song. The lyrics 'E o meu caminho e o teu caminho / É um nem vais nem vou' (And my path and your path / Is one neither you go nor I go) suggest a shared journey that is paradoxically marked by separation. This duality is further emphasized in the closing lines, where the narrator's actions—singing, shouting, running, laughing—are all in vain as he never reaches the maternal figure. 'Mãe' is a deeply emotional and reflective piece that captures the essence of human longing and the enduring impact of maternal love.