O Tejo

Madredeus' song "O Tejo" is a poetic homage to the Tejo River, which flows through Lisbon, the city where the artist was born. The lyrics open with a sense of dawn, symbolizing new beginnings and the discovery of the river that the narrator crosses frequently, perhaps metaphorically representing life's journey. The river is described as a witness to the narrator's experiences and emotions, held together by a delicate thread of enchantment.

The song then shifts to a reflection on Lisbon, referred to as a city but fundamentally defined by the Tejo River. This portrayal suggests that the river is the true essence of the city, a constant and enduring presence that shapes its identity. The river is depicted as a 'house of water,' a nurturing and life-giving force that has been a part of the narrator's life since birth.

In the final verses, the Tejo River is addressed directly, praised for its timeless flow and unwavering course over millennia. The river is personified as a sweet and steadfast entity, one that the narrator chose to be born near. This choice signifies a deep connection and sense of belonging to the river and, by extension, to Lisbon. The song beautifully captures the intertwined relationship between the river, the city, and the narrator's personal history, evoking a sense of nostalgia, identity, and continuity.