Papa Joachin Paris

Cesaria Evora's song 'Papa Joachin Paris' is a poignant and melancholic ode to lost love. The lyrics, sung in Cape Verdean Creole, tell the story of a person seeking permission from Papa Joachin Paris to mourn their first love, Fernande. The repetition of the request for 'lisénsa d'un óra i meia' (permission for an hour and a half) underscores the depth of the sorrow and the need for a dedicated time to grieve. This plea highlights the cultural importance of respect and seeking approval from elders or authority figures in Cape Verdean society.

The song's verses paint a vivid picture of the emotional landscape. The imagery of 'Futesera, d'Ribera di Janela' (a place by the window) and the elements 'ta kemê na góte, ta kemê na katxor' (burning in the drop, burning in the dog) evoke a sense of longing and pain. The singer's intention to sing to the sea so that it does not burn ('N kantá mar k'é pa es ka kemê') suggests a desire to soothe the turmoil within. The sea, a recurring motif in Evora's music, symbolizes both the vastness of emotion and the connection to Cape Verde's island culture.

Cesaria Evora, known as the 'Barefoot Diva,' was celebrated for her soulful voice and morna music, a genre characterized by its slow, mournful melodies. 'Papa Joachin Paris' is a testament to her ability to convey deep emotional truths through simple yet powerful lyrics. The song resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love and the need to honor that love through remembrance and song. Evora's music often reflects themes of longing, nostalgia, and the bittersweet nature of life, making her a beloved figure in world music.