Flor de Lis

Djavan's 'Flor de Lis' is a poignant ballad that delves into the themes of love, loss, and regret. The song begins with a plea to God, acknowledging the end of a love affair and seeking forgiveness for an unspecified mistake. The lyrics express a deep sense of confusion and sorrow, as the narrator reflects on what went wrong in the relationship and questions where he erred, despite knowing only that he loved passionately.

The metaphor of a garden is central to the song, symbolizing the growth and nurturing of love. The narrator likens himself to the root of a 'flor de lis' (fleur-de-lis), a flower often associated with purity and perfection. However, the destiny he speaks of did not allow him to be the root of this idealized love, suggesting a fate that was not in his favor. The garden that once flourished with life has now withered, and from the 'foot' that Maria (a symbolic figure) sprouted, not even a daisy bloomed. This imagery conveys the desolation and barrenness that has befallen the narrator's heart and life following the demise of the relationship.

The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the narrator's bewilderment and the depth of his feelings. The song's melancholic tone is further enhanced by Djavan's soulful delivery and the music's gentle, flowing rhythm. 'Flor de Lis' is not just a lament over a lost love, but also a reflection on the vulnerability of giving one's heart fully and the harsh reality that sometimes, despite our deepest affections, love does not flourish as we hope.