Tchintchirote

Cesaria Evora's song "Tchintchirote" is a vivid portrayal of the consequences of gossip and the importance of reputation in a close-knit community. The lyrics, sung in Cape Verdean Creole, tell the story of a woman who is known for her incessant talking, likened to a 'txintxiróti' or a chattering bird. This metaphor highlights the incessant and often meaningless nature of her speech, which has earned her a notorious reputation among her peers.

The repeated lines emphasize the frustration and disdain the community feels towards this woman. The singer warns her that her big mouth has made her infamous, and no one wants to hear her anymore. The phrase "nha bóka ka sta la" (my mouth is not there) suggests a desire to distance oneself from the gossip and the trouble it brings. The singer makes it clear that she does not want to see or hear the gossiping woman at her door, indicating a strong rejection and a plea for peace.

The song also touches on the fear of legal consequences, as the singer mentions being afraid of the tribunal. This could imply that the gossip has escalated to a point where it could have serious repercussions, possibly legal ones. The imagery of the woman being left to 'count on her tail' while sitting on her donkey suggests that she is left to deal with the mess she has created on her own. This powerful narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of gossip and the importance of maintaining a good reputation in a community.