É Obra
Edmázia Mayembe
The Struggle of Letting Go: Edmázia Mayembe's 'É Obra'
Edmázia Mayembe's song 'É Obra' delves into the emotional turmoil of trying to move on from a toxic relationship. The lyrics express the protagonist's determination to leave behind a partner who has caused her suffering. Despite her resolve, she finds herself unable to fully detach from the memories and feelings associated with this person. The phrase 'o pão que o diabo amassou,' which translates to 'the bread that the devil kneaded,' is a Portuguese idiom that signifies going through a very hard time, emphasizing the depth of her past struggles.
The song uses vivid metaphors related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as 'cerca sanitária' (sanitary fence) and 'infectada pelo vírus do teu amor' (infected by the virus of your love), to describe the inescapable nature of her feelings. These metaphors highlight the sense of being trapped or confined by her emotions, much like the quarantines and lockdowns experienced during the pandemic. The repeated line 'É obra,' which can be interpreted as 'It's a work' or 'It's a feat,' suggests that the effort to forget and move on from this person is an immense task, almost like a work of art or a monumental challenge.
The song captures the conflict between the mind and the heart, where the mind knows it's best to leave, but the heart and body refuse to comply. This internal battle is a common theme in songs about love and heartbreak, resonating with listeners who have experienced the difficulty of letting go of someone they still have strong feelings for. Edmázia Mayembe's soulful performance adds depth to the song, conveying the pain and frustration of loving someone who isn't good for you.