Assim Sou Eu
Ivonaldo Albuquerque
The Yearning for Divine Presence in 'Assim Sou Eu'
Ivonaldo Albuquerque's song 'Assim Sou Eu' is a poignant expression of spiritual longing and the profound sense of emptiness that accompanies the absence of divine presence. The lyrics are rich with metaphors that vividly illustrate this void. The imagery of a river without water, a garden without flowers, and a broken tree branch conveys a sense of desolation and incompleteness. These natural elements, typically full of life and beauty, are rendered lifeless, symbolizing the singer's state of being without the presence of God.
The chorus, repeating 'Assim sou eu, Senhor! Sem a tua presença, sem o teu amor,' underscores the central theme of the song: the essential need for divine love and presence. The plea to not have the Holy Spirit taken away reflects a deep spiritual dependency and a fear of spiritual abandonment. This is further emphasized by the emotional appeal, 'Por isso eu imploro e às vezes em pranto,' which translates to 'Therefore I implore and sometimes in tears.' The raw emotion in these lines highlights the singer's desperation and earnest desire for a connection with the divine.
The second verse continues with the use of powerful metaphors, such as a sky without stars, a colorless rainbow, and a dry leaf carried away by the wind. These images evoke a sense of aimlessness and loss, much like a boat without a rudder in the open sea, facing danger without the hope of returning to port. This verse reinforces the idea that without divine guidance and love, life feels directionless and perilous. Ivonaldo Albuquerque's 'Assim Sou Eu' is a heartfelt prayer set to music, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and the deep yearning for spiritual fulfillment.