Choro das Águas
Ivan Lins
The Healing Power of Tears: Analyzing 'Choro das Águas' by Ivan Lins
Ivan Lins' song 'Choro das Águas' delves deep into the emotional landscape of sorrow and the cathartic release that comes with crying. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a profound and overwhelming sadness that cannot be contained within the heart. The opening lines, 'Esse meu choro não cabe no peito,' suggest that the sorrow is so intense that it spills over, manifesting physically as tears that 'molha por fora e estraga o disfarce,' indicating that the act of crying reveals the true emotional state, breaking any facade of composure.
The song continues to describe the physical and emotional toll of this sorrow. The lines 'Me corta a fala, me tapa os ouvidos' illustrate how grief can be all-consuming, affecting one's ability to speak and hear, while 'Me fere os olhos com vidro moído' uses the metaphor of ground glass to convey the sharp, painful nature of the tears. This vivid imagery emphasizes the depth of the emotional pain, likening it to a physical wound that 'sangra esse coração,' or bleeds the heart.
In the final verse, Lins draws a powerful parallel between tears and water, describing the tears as 'o choro das águas.' This metaphor extends to the natural world, where water cleanses and purifies. The tears 'lava as telhas, que rola nas calhas,' suggesting that just as water washes away dirt and debris, crying can cleanse the soul. The imagery of water 'deságua na gente' and 'afoga esse coração' implies that while the sorrow may feel overwhelming, it also has the potential to bring about emotional release and healing. Through this poignant song, Ivan Lins captures the dual nature of tears as both a manifestation of deep pain and a necessary step towards emotional renewal.