Feito a Maré (feat. Gilsons)
Jota.Pê
The Ebb and Flow of Longing: Jota.Pê's 'Feito a Maré'
The song 'Feito a Maré (feat. Gilsons)' by Jota.Pê is a poignant exploration of the complex emotions associated with longing and the cyclical nature of a tumultuous relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of being overwhelmed by the presence of a loved one, yet simultaneously fearing their closeness. This duality is expressed through the metaphor of the tide, which symbolizes the inevitable return and withdrawal that characterizes the singer's feelings.
The recurring theme of saudade, a Portuguese word that describes a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing for something or someone that one cares for and which is absent, is central to the song. The lyrics suggest that the object of the singer's affection has left an indelible mark, so much so that their absence is felt as a constant presence, akin to sleeping on the singer's chest and occupying their side of the bed. This vivid imagery captures the essence of saudade, where the absence is as powerful as the presence.
The song also touches on the idea of acceptance and renewal, much like the natural cycle of the tide. The sun setting and the darkness that follows is likened to a new way of seeing, suggesting that there is growth and rebirth even in the absence of the loved one. The hope that the person might return 'Feito a Maré'—like the tide—indicates a resignation to the forces of nature and emotions, acknowledging that just as the tide returns to the shore, so might the loved one return to the singer's life.