Lisboa Antiga

Francisco José's song 'Lisboa Antiga' is a heartfelt ode to the city of Lisbon, capturing its timeless charm and historical significance. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Lisbon as a 'velha cidade' (old city) filled with enchantment and beauty. The city is personified as a 'linda princesa' (beautiful princess) whose face is covered by a 'branco véu da saudade' (white veil of nostalgia), suggesting a deep sense of longing for the past. This metaphorical veil represents the layers of history and memories that envelop the city, making it eternally captivating.

The song nostalgically recalls the Lisbon of bygone eras, mentioning the 'cruzados' (crusaders), 'esperas' (waits), and 'toiradas reais' (royal bullfights). These references evoke a time when the city was a hub of significant historical events and cultural traditions. The mention of 'seculares procissões' (secular processions) and 'populares pregões matinais' (popular morning cries) further emphasizes the rich cultural tapestry that once defined Lisbon. These elements, now lost to time, are remembered with a sense of wistfulness, highlighting the inevitable changes that come with the passage of time.

Lisbon is also described as a city of 'oiro e de prata' (gold and silver), symbolizing its splendor and unmatched beauty. The city's playful and joyful spirit is captured in the lines 'eternamente a brincar e a cantar de contente' (eternally playing and singing happily). The reflection of Lisbon's visage in the 'azul cristalino do Tejo' (crystalline blue of the Tagus River) underscores its enduring connection to the natural landscape. Through these poetic descriptions, Francisco José not only celebrates Lisbon's past but also its enduring allure and the deep emotional connection it holds for its inhabitants and admirers.