Estrela do Mar

Maria Bethânia's song 'Estrela do Mar' is a poetic and evocative piece that delves into themes of love, longing, and the eternal nature of dreams. The lyrics tell the story of a tiny grain of sand, an eternal dreamer, who gazes at a star in the sky and imagines a love story. This grain of sand represents the human condition of yearning and dreaming, always looking up to something greater and more beautiful, symbolized by the star.

The passage of time is a significant element in the song, as it mentions that many years have passed with the star remaining in the sky and the grain of sand in the sea. This separation highlights the distance and the seemingly insurmountable barriers between the dreamer and the object of their affection. The lyrics suggest a sense of melancholy and unfulfilled desire, as it is said that the poor grain of sand could never meet the star. This unrequited love story resonates with the universal human experience of longing for something that seems just out of reach.

The song leaves the listener with a sense of mystery and wonder, as it questions whether there was ever anything between the grain of sand and the star. The final lines introduce the 'estrela do mar' (starfish), a symbol that bridges the gap between the sea and the sky, suggesting a union of the two worlds. This transformation from a star in the sky to a star in the sea can be seen as a metaphor for the realization of dreams and the possibility of love transcending boundaries. Maria Bethânia's soulful and emotive delivery adds depth to this beautiful and timeless narrative, making 'Estrela do Mar' a poignant reflection on love, dreams, and the passage of time.