Dona Do Dom

Maria Bethânia's song 'Dona Do Dom' is a profound exploration of the divine gift bestowed upon the artist. The lyrics reflect a deep sense of spirituality and connection with a higher power, which Bethânia attributes to her artistic abilities. The phrase 'Dona do dom que Deus me deu' translates to 'Owner of the gift that God gave me,' emphasizing the belief that her talents are a divine endowment. This acknowledgment of a higher power's influence is a recurring theme throughout the song, as she describes how this gift shapes her identity and elevates her existence, even when she might resist it.

The song also delves into the duality of being both liberated and bound by this divine gift. Bethânia sings about being 'presa do dom que Deus me pôs,' meaning 'prisoner of the gift that God placed in me,' yet she also recognizes that this gift liberates her. This paradox highlights the complex relationship between the artist and her craft, where the gift can be both a source of freedom and a burden. The imagery of 'gim, fumaça, dor, microfonia' (gin, smoke, pain, microphone feedback) paints a vivid picture of the artist's life, filled with both joy and suffering, all of which contribute to her unique expression.

Bethânia's desire to illuminate the darkness with her art is another central theme. She expresses a longing to be a 'serafim de procissão do interior' (seraph of an interior procession) and to 'iluminar o escuro com meu bustiê carmim' (illuminate the dark with my crimson bustier). This imagery suggests a mission to bring light and beauty into the world, even in the face of personal sorrow and the inevitability of her own end. The song concludes with a sense of eternal presence, as she sings about being 'a flauta da imensidão' (the flute of immensity), symbolizing an everlasting impact that transcends her physical existence.