Água e Vinho

Egberto Gismonti's 'Água e Vinho' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves deep into the human experience of despair, solitude, and the eventual emergence of hope. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person trapped in a monotonous and lifeless routine, symbolized by the 'dead hour' and 'dead stone.' The imagery of 'oranges in the yard' juxtaposes the mundane with the potential for life and vibrancy, hinting at the latent possibilities within the seemingly lifeless environment.

The song's narrative progresses through a landscape of silence and vigilance, where even the dogs, symbols of loyalty and protection, are restless and alert. The 'shadows in the air' and 'shadows in the garden' evoke a sense of foreboding and unease, further emphasized by the 'dead moon' and 'dead night.' This setting creates a backdrop of existential dread, where the heart is consumed by a 'yellow and temporary fire,' representing fleeting moments of intense emotion or crisis.

However, the song takes a transformative turn as the protagonist begins to seek out the 'fires' slowly, indicating a deliberate and conscious effort to confront their fears and inner turmoil. The heart, once fearful of the 'flames of hell' and 'endless darkness,' starts to embrace the possibility of love. This shift signifies a journey from despair to hope, from darkness to light, and from fear to love. Gismonti's poetic lyrics and evocative imagery invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of struggle and the potential for renewal and transformation within their lives.