Tomara Que Chova
Emilinha Borba
A Plea for Rain: Emilinha Borba's 'Tomara Que Chova'
Emilinha Borba's song 'Tomara Que Chova' is a heartfelt plea for rain, reflecting the struggles of daily life without a basic necessity: water. The repetitive chorus, 'Tomara que chova, oi / Três dias sem parar,' translates to 'I hope it rains, oh / Three days without stopping,' emphasizing the desperation and urgency of the situation. This repetition underscores the critical need for rain to alleviate the hardships faced by the singer and her community.
The lyrics delve deeper into the personal impact of the water shortage. The line 'A minha grande mágoa / É lá em casa não ter água / E eu preciso me lavar' translates to 'My great sorrow / Is that at home there is no water / And I need to wash myself.' This highlights the basic human need for cleanliness and the dignity that comes with it. The lack of water affects not just physical hygiene but also the emotional well-being of the individual, as it becomes a source of great sorrow and frustration.
Further, the song touches on the broader implications of the water crisis. 'De promessa eu ando cheia / Quando conto a minha vida ninguém quer acreditar / Trabalho não me cansa / O que me cansa é pensar / Que lá em casa não tem água nem pra cozinhar' translates to 'I am full of promises / When I tell my life story, no one wants to believe it / Work doesn't tire me / What tires me is thinking / That at home there is no water even to cook.' This verse reveals the exhaustion not from physical labor but from the mental strain of living without water. It also hints at broken promises and the disbelief of others regarding her plight, adding a layer of social commentary on the neglect and lack of support from those in power.
Emilinha Borba, a prominent figure in Brazilian music, uses her platform to shed light on the everyday struggles of ordinary people. Her emotive delivery and the poignant lyrics make 'Tomara Que Chova' a powerful anthem for those facing similar hardships, resonating with listeners on both a personal and societal level.