A Nossa Casa
Maria Bethânia
The Universal Home: A Journey Through 'A Nossa Casa' by Maria Bethânia
Maria Bethânia's song 'A Nossa Casa' paints a vivid picture of a home that transcends physical boundaries and material constraints. The lyrics describe a place where 'amor-perfeito' (perfect love) grows wild and the ceiling is adorned with stars and moonlight. This imagery evokes a sense of natural beauty and simplicity, suggesting that true comfort and love are found in the most unpretentious settings. The mention of a bird waking them up and a river running through the house adds to the idyllic, almost magical quality of this home, making it a sanctuary where nature and love coexist harmoniously.
The refrain, 'A nossa casa é onde a gente está / A nossa casa é em todo lugar,' emphasizes the idea that home is not a fixed location but rather a state of being. This sentiment is deeply philosophical, suggesting that home is wherever we find ourselves, as long as we are with loved ones. It challenges conventional notions of home as a physical structure, proposing instead that home is defined by the presence of love and companionship.
Bethânia further explores this theme by describing the house as 'de carne e osso' (of flesh and bone), indicating that it is a living, breathing entity. This metaphor reinforces the idea that home is an extension of ourselves and our relationships. The absence of a doorbell and the presence of an internal veranda and a 'pé de vento' (a gust of wind) for breathing space suggest a home that is open, welcoming, and free from societal constraints. In this way, 'A Nossa Casa' becomes a poetic exploration of the concept of home, urging listeners to find comfort and belonging wherever they are, as long as they are surrounded by love.