Estado de Poesia

Maria Bethânia's song 'Estado de Poesia' is a lyrical exploration of the transformative power of love. The song's title, which translates to 'State of Poetry,' sets the tone for a journey into the emotional and spiritual realms that love can unlock. Bethânia, a renowned Brazilian singer known for her deep, emotive voice and poetic lyrics, delves into the profound changes that love brings to one's life. The lyrics describe a shift from a life of wandering and uncertainty to one of deep connection and enchantment with another person.

The song begins with the narrator expressing a desire to immerse themselves in the 'sertões' (backlands) of their beloved, suggesting a deep, almost spiritual journey into the essence of the other person. This metaphor of the 'sertões' evokes the vast, untamed landscapes of Brazil, symbolizing the depth and complexity of the beloved's inner world. The narrator seeks to forget their previous life of 'cigania' (gypsy-like wandering), indicating a past filled with fleeting, uncommitted experiences. The realization that they would eventually be wholly captivated by their beloved marks a significant turning point.

Bethânia's lyrics beautifully capture the duality of love's intensity. She describes love as something that 'dóI de bom' (hurts in a good way), 'arde de doce' (burns sweetly), and 'queima, acalma' (burns, calms). This juxtaposition of pain and pleasure, turmoil and tranquility, reflects the complex emotions that love can evoke. The song also touches on the unpredictability of love, where moments of joy can quickly turn to tears and vice versa. Ultimately, 'Estado de Poesia' celebrates the profound, often paradoxical nature of love, portraying it as a state of being that is both deeply moving and transformative.