Canoas do Tejo

Carlos do Carmo's song 'Canoas do Tejo' is a beautiful and evocative piece that uses the imagery of a canoe navigating the Tagus River to explore themes of journey, solitude, and the passage of time. The song opens with a vivid description of a sailboat coming from the Ribeira Quay, likened to a seagull lost without its companion. This metaphor sets the tone for the song, suggesting a sense of loneliness and searching.

The lyrics continue to paint a picturesque scene with the wind blowing through the rocks and the sun resembling a strawberry, while the Tagus River dances with the waves, practicing a fandango. This imagery not only highlights the natural beauty of Lisbon but also symbolizes the constant movement and rhythm of life. The canoe, familiar with the docks and walls of Lisbon, represents someone who knows their surroundings well but is still vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of life, as indicated by the warning that if a boat collides with it, it may never return to the quay.

The second verse introduces a more melancholic tone with the mention of a guitar's moans carried by the gentle breeze. The canoe's helmsman has secured the sail and fallen asleep, a metaphor for complacency or perhaps the inevitability of fate. The caution to be careful lest the sea awakens him underscores the delicate balance between control and surrender in life's journey. The repeated refrain emphasizes the finality of certain events, reinforcing the idea that some changes are irreversible.

Carlos do Carmo, a renowned fado singer, infuses 'Canoas do Tejo' with the soulful and melancholic essence of fado music, a genre deeply rooted in Portuguese culture. The song's rich metaphors and vivid imagery invite listeners to reflect on their own journeys, the passage of time, and the ever-present dance between fate and free will.