Somos Livres

The song 'Somos Livres' by Ermelinda Duarte is a powerful anthem that speaks to the spirit of freedom and the resilience of a people who have overcome oppression. The lyrics reflect the historical context of Portugal, particularly the Carnation Revolution of 1974, which ended decades of dictatorship. The song begins by painting a picture of the past, where the people were silenced and suffered under the rule of an authoritarian regime. The 'voice suffocated' and the 'people crying in the gutter' evoke the pain and despair of those times.

As the song progresses, it shifts from the darkness of the past to the hope and determination of the present. The metaphors of a flying seagull, a growing poppy, and a child speaking their mind represent the newfound freedom and the natural, inherent right to liberty. These images symbolize the breaking of chains and the blossoming of a nation that can now determine its own destiny. The chorus, 'Somos livres, somos livres de voar' ('We are free, we are free to fly'), is a triumphant declaration of this freedom.

The song concludes with a message of unity and forward momentum. The people, now free, are determined not to return to the oppression of the past. They are united in their quest for bread and peace, signifying the basic rights and dignities that they are now free to pursue. 'Somos Livres' is not just a song but an emblem of the struggle and victory over tyranny, a reminder of the power of collective action and the enduring desire for freedom.