Lament

In 'Lament,' Evita poignantly explores the fleeting nature of life and the choices that define our existence. The song is a reflective piece, with Eva Perón, the central figure, contemplating the decisions she made in her life. She acknowledges that her choices were entirely her own, driven by a desire for glory and recognition. The lyrics, 'I could burn with the splendor of the brightest fire / Or else, or else I could choose time,' highlight the dichotomy between living a short, intense life and opting for a longer, perhaps less remarkable existence. Eva's youthful ambition led her to choose the former, seeking the dazzling lights of fame and power.

The song also delves into the inevitable decline that follows such a meteoric rise. Eva reflects on how quickly the lights of her life dimmed, a metaphor for the transient nature of fame and beauty. Che's interjection serves as a reminder that Eva's choices were hers alone, and the consequences, both good and bad, were a direct result of those decisions. His lines, 'You can cry for a body in despair / Hang your head because she is no longer there,' underscore the sorrow and regret that often accompany the end of a brilliant but brief life.

The embalmers' chant at the end, 'Eyes, hair, face, image / All must be preserved,' adds a haunting layer to the song. It speaks to the human desire to immortalize beauty and legacy, even in death. This preservation of Eva's image is a stark contrast to the ephemeral nature of her life, suggesting that while life is fleeting, the desire to be remembered endures. The song, therefore, is a meditation on the choices we make, the fleeting nature of life, and the enduring quest for legacy.