Canto da Ema

João do Vale's song 'Canto da Ema' is a poignant exploration of love, fear, and superstition. The lyrics revolve around the melancholic cry of the ema, a large bird native to South America, which is heard from the trunk of a jurema tree. In Brazilian folklore, the cry of the ema is often considered an omen of bad luck. The singer interprets this cry as a sad sign, leading him to worry about the future of his relationship with his beloved, referred to as 'morena,' a term of endearment in Brazilian Portuguese.

The song's narrative is deeply rooted in the cultural context of rural Brazil, where superstitions and omens play a significant role in daily life. The ema's cry becomes a metaphor for the singer's fear that his love might be doomed. He expresses his anxiety, wondering if their love is destined to end prematurely. This fear is palpable as he pleads with his morena to come and kiss him, hoping that their affection can dispel the ominous feeling brought on by the ema's song.

João do Vale, known for his contributions to Brazilian popular music, often infused his songs with elements of the northeastern Brazilian culture. 'Canto da Ema' is no exception, blending the region's rich folklore with universal themes of love and fear. The song's simple yet evocative lyrics capture the essence of a love that is both tender and fragile, threatened by forces beyond the lovers' control. Through this song, João do Vale not only tells a personal story but also reflects the broader cultural beliefs and emotional landscapes of his time.