Luar do Sertão

Maria Bethânia's rendition of 'Luar do Sertão' is a heartfelt ode to the Brazilian countryside, or 'sertão.' The song is steeped in nostalgia, as the singer reminisces about the moonlight in her homeland. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the serene and luminous nights in the countryside, contrasting them with the darker, less enchanting nights in the city. This longing for the simplicity and beauty of rural life is a central theme, evoking a deep sense of saudade—a Portuguese word that conveys a profound, melancholic longing for something or someone that is absent.

The song uses rich metaphors to describe the moonlight in the sertão. The moon is likened to a 'sol de prata' (silver sun), illuminating the solitude of the countryside. This imagery not only highlights the natural beauty of the sertão but also underscores the emotional connection the singer feels with her homeland. The act of playing the viola and singing under the full moon symbolizes a deep, almost spiritual communion with nature, where the moonlight becomes a source of inspiration and solace.

Another poignant aspect of the song is its portrayal of the sounds of the countryside. The crowing of a rooster at night is described as if it were the soul of the moon singing through the rooster's throat. This personification of nature adds a layer of mysticism to the song, suggesting that the natural world in the sertão is alive and imbued with emotion. The final verses express a desire to return to the sertão, even in death, to be buried in a small grotto where the sounds of nature continue to resonate. This longing for a final resting place in the homeland encapsulates the deep-rooted connection to the land and its enduring significance in the singer's life.