Sodade

The song 'Sodade' by Cesaria Evora, a renowned Cape Verdean singer, is a poignant expression of longing and nostalgia. The term 'sodade' is a Cape Verdean Creole word for 'saudade,' a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that one cares for and is absent. The lyrics of 'Sodade' reflect the feelings of someone who is far from their homeland and is yearning for the comfort and familiarity it brings.

In the song, the narrator asks who will show them the long way back to São Tomé, indicating a desire to return to a place of origin, which in this case is São Nicolau, one of the islands of Cape Verde. The repetition of the phrase 'sodade' emphasizes the depth of the narrator's longing. The lines 'Si bo 'screve' me / 'M tá 'screve be' and 'Si bo 'squece me / 'M tá 'squece be' suggest a reciprocal relationship with the homeland or a loved one, where the narrator promises to write back if written to, and to forget if forgotten, yet always with the hope of return.

Cesaria Evora's music is often characterized by its melancholic melodies and soulful delivery, which perfectly encapsulate the essence of 'sodade.' The song's simple structure and Evora's emotive voice convey a universal feeling of missing one's home or a dear one. 'Sodade' is not just a song; it's an experience of the heartache that comes with separation and the bittersweet memories that keep the connection alive.