Balada De Gisberta

The song "Balada De Gisberta" performed by Maria Bethânia, a renowned Brazilian singer known for her emotive interpretations, delves into themes of identity, transformation, and the ephemeral nature of life. The lyrics speak of a character who has lost their name and now identifies with the collective 'yours,' suggesting a loss of individuality or a merging with a broader existence. The contrast between dancing in palaces and now dancing in the streets symbolizes a fall from grace or a significant life change, possibly hinting at the volatility of fortune.

The attire of dreams has been replaced by the 'berms of the road,' indicating a shift from aspirations to harsh reality. The rhetorical question about the point of returning 'to nothing' underscores the sense of hopelessness and the futility of trying to reclaim a past that has been irrevocably altered. References to an angel calling and the inability to hear one's own scream in the darkness evoke a sense of searching for salvation or meaning in the midst of despair. The imagery of dancing in the avenue as a flag-bearer in the dark and the future departing as lights go out further illustrates the theme of loss—of visibility, of direction, of hope.

The song concludes with reflections on the scant possessions brought into this world and the even lesser amount taken away, emphasizing the brevity of life and the small distance 'to the bottom.' The repeated line 'love is so far' serves as a haunting refrain that encapsulates the longing for connection and the profound sense of isolation that permeates the song. Through its poetic lyrics, "Balada De Gisberta" paints a picture of a life marked by transformation, the search for meaning, and the ultimate realization of love's elusive nature.