Desilusao Dum Amdjer

Cesaria Evora's song 'Desilusao Dum Amdjer' is a poignant exploration of heartbreak, betrayal, and the quest for inner peace. The lyrics, sung in Cape Verdean Creole, tell the story of a woman who has experienced profound emotional pain due to the betrayal of a loved one. The song begins with the narrator reminiscing about a time when her love was born and she was happy. However, this happiness is shattered as her lover, without mercy, breaks her world apart, leaving her soul in agony and without hope or faith.

The song delves deeper into the narrator's suffering, highlighting the social stigma and familial disgrace she endures. She is labeled as a 'woman of the street,' a term that implies a loss of respect and dignity. Despite this, she endures the emotional torment with the strength of her feelings, driven by the love she once had. The repeated refrain emphasizes the depth of her sorrow and the relentless nature of her emotional struggle.

In the latter part of the song, the narrator turns to the sea and to God, seeking solace and a way to escape her pain. She asks the sea to take her away to a place where she can live in isolation, away from the memories of her lost love. She prays for peace for her soul and the strength to face reality, hoping for relief from her suffering so she can start a new life. The song concludes with a powerful assertion of her right to happiness, a declaration that despite her suffering, she too deserves to be happy on this earth.

'Cesaria Evora,' known as the 'Barefoot Diva,' was a renowned Cape Verdean singer whose music often reflected the morna and coladeira styles, characterized by their melancholic and soulful melodies. Her songs frequently touched on themes of love, loss, and longing, resonating deeply with listeners around the world.