Menina Dos Olhos Tristes

José Afonso's song 'Menina Dos Olhos Tristes' poignantly captures the sorrow and despair experienced by those left behind when a soldier goes off to war. The lyrics revolve around the recurring theme of a soldier who will not return, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice made in battle. The 'menina dos olhos tristes' (girl with sad eyes) and other characters in the song represent the loved ones who are left to cope with the grief and uncertainty of their soldier's fate. The repeated line 'O soldadinho não volta do outro lado do mar' (The little soldier does not return from the other side of the sea) underscores the finality and tragedy of war.

The song also touches on the broader impact of war on a community. The 'senhor pensativo' (thoughtful man) and 'senhora de olhos cansados' (lady with tired eyes) reflect the collective weariness and sorrow that permeate the lives of those who wait. The imagery of the 'cachimbo a apagar' (pipe going out) and the 'tear' (loom) being fatigued further emphasizes the sense of loss and the disruption of daily life caused by the absence of the soldier.

In the final verses, the song takes a somber turn as it reveals the soldier's fate. The line 'Vem numa caixa de pinho' (He comes in a pine box) starkly conveys the reality of death in war. The soldier's return in a coffin signifies the end of hope and the permanence of loss. This powerful conclusion serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring pain it leaves behind.