Estrela, Estrela
Gal Costa
The Celestial Solitude: A Reflection on 'Estrela, Estrela' by Gal Costa
In 'Estrela, Estrela,' Gal Costa delivers a poignant meditation on the nature of existence and the beauty of being. The song's lyrics revolve around the metaphor of a star, which serves as a symbol of solitude, resilience, and inherent brilliance. The opening lines, 'Estrela, estrela / Como ser assim? / Tão só, tão só / E nunca sofrer,' set the tone for the song, questioning how a star can exist in such isolation without suffering. This reflects a deeper human curiosity about how to maintain one's essence and shine despite loneliness or adversity.
The recurring theme of 'brilhar, brilhar / Quase sem querer / Deixar, deixar / Ser o que se é' emphasizes the importance of authenticity and effortless existence. The star's ability to shine 'almost without wanting to' and 'letting itself be what it is' suggests a natural, unforced way of living that many aspire to but find challenging to achieve. This can be seen as a call to embrace one's true self and to find peace in simply being, rather than constantly striving or pretending to be something else.
Gal Costa's lyrics also touch on the interconnectedness of all things. The lines 'É bom saber que és parte de mim / Assim como és parte das manhãs' highlight the star's integral role in the universe and its connection to the singer. This connection is further explored in the chorus, where the act of singing becomes a way to bridge the gap between the earthly and the celestial. 'Eu canto, eu canto / Por poder te ver / No céu, no céu / Como um balão' illustrates the joy and wonder of being able to see the star, while 'Eu canto e sei que também me vês / Aqui, aqui com essa canção' suggests a mutual recognition and a shared experience through the song.
' Estrela, Estrela' is a beautiful exploration of solitude, authenticity, and the profound connections that bind us to the universe. Through its simple yet evocative lyrics, Gal Costa invites listeners to reflect on their own existence and the ways in which they can shine, just like a star.