Noite Severina

Elba Ramalho's song "Noite Severina" is a poetic exploration of the night, personified as Severina, and the dreams and desires that come alive under its cover. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a serene yet intense night, where every element, from the delicate touch of a sheet to the dreams of stones in a mine, is imbued with a sense of longing and introspection. The night is described as moving calmly and high, suggesting a sense of elevation and tranquility, yet it is also filled with the raw, unfiltered desires of the city and its inhabitants.

The recurring imagery of the sheet touching the fine skin and the shadows it casts speaks to the intimate and personal nature of the night. It is a time when hidden desires and dreams come to the forefront, unencumbered by the harsh light of day. The mention of stones dreaming of jackhammers and each being having dreams in their own way highlights the universal nature of dreams and aspirations, regardless of their form or origin. This metaphor extends to the human experience, suggesting that everyone has their own unique dreams and ways of achieving them.

As the night progresses, the lyrics delve deeper into the personal connection between the narrator and Severina. The imagery of a lit window in the city's roar, the narrator breathing in Severina's desire, and the flickering lamp flame all contribute to a sense of intimacy and longing. The narrator feels a profound connection to Severina, sensing her soul floating from her body and her eyes moving without opening. This ethereal connection is both certain and just, yet it leaves the narrator feeling both connected and detached, as they are absorbed in Severina's presence but also aware of their own solitude. The night, described as a "suassuna night," is a time of predatory watchfulness, where beauty enslaves and the dawn is an inevitable but unwelcome intruder.