Como Um Sonho Acordado

Fausto Bordalo Dias, a renowned Portuguese singer-songwriter, crafts a hauntingly vivid narrative in 'Como Um Sonho Acordado.' The song delves into the complex interplay between fear and desire, painting a surreal picture that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and dark imagery, evoking a sense of dread that permeates the listener's senses. The recurring theme of fear is personified, almost as if it is a tangible entity that seeps into the protagonist's very being, affecting their physical and emotional state.

The song opens with a sense of pursuit, as if the Earth itself is chasing the protagonist. This sets the stage for a journey through a nightmarish landscape where fear is ever-present, lurking beneath the skin and penetrating the bones. The imagery of a 'viscous' and 'sticky' fear that 'escapes through pores' and 'penetrates the bones' is particularly striking, suggesting an inescapable and all-consuming terror. This fear is not just an abstract emotion but a physical presence that affects the protagonist's entire being.

As the song progresses, the narrative takes on a more surreal and mythological tone. The protagonist is dragged to the depths of a 'great lake of the night,' crossing 'bars of fire' between Heaven and Hell. This journey is fraught with peril and despair, symbolized by the 'widows' mourners' and the tragic tale of a father murdered by his son, who then possesses his own mother. These dark, almost Oedipal themes add layers of complexity to the song, making it a rich tapestry of human emotions and existential dread.

In the final verses, the protagonist addresses a loved one, asking them to wear a vibrant skirt when they die at sea, a poignant request that contrasts sharply with the preceding darkness. This moment of tenderness is quickly overshadowed by the return of fear, as the protagonist is haunted by voices and the gruesome imagery of dismembered bodies. The song ends on a note of unresolved tension, leaving the listener to ponder the depths of human fear and desire.