O vira vira
Fuxan Os Ventos
The Dance of Freedom and Heartache in 'O vira vira'
Fuxan Os Ventos, a renowned Galician folk band, brings to life the essence of traditional Galician music with their song 'O vira vira.' The lyrics of this song delve into themes of love, freedom, and the societal expectations placed upon individuals, particularly women. The protagonist speaks from a place of personal experience, reflecting on her journey from a land of gold, a metaphor for a place of value and richness, to a state of independence and self-awareness.
The opening lines, 'Veño da tera de ouro, veño da terra dourada,' suggest a journey from a place of prosperity. However, the protagonist quickly clarifies that despite coming from a land of men, she is not married, indicating a defiance of traditional expectations. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, where she navigates the complexities of love and societal norms. The refrain, 'E vira e vira, senón viro eu,' can be interpreted as a dance or a cycle, symbolizing the constant motion and change in life and relationships.
The protagonist's reflections on marriage and independence are poignant. She mentions marrying for a year to understand what life it was, only to find herself yearning for her single life again. This highlights the struggle between societal pressures to marry and the desire for personal freedom. The closing lines, where she tells her lover that if he had left a year ago, she would have already forgotten him, underscore the transient nature of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Through 'O vira vira,' Fuxan Os Ventos captures the timeless dance between love, freedom, and societal expectations, resonating deeply with listeners who have faced similar dilemmas in their own lives.