Santo Amaro Ê Ê / Quixabeira / Reconvexo / Minha Senhora / Viola Meu Bem

Maria Bethânia's medley, comprising 'Santo Amaro Ê Ê,' 'Quixabeira,' 'Reconvexo,' 'Minha Senhora,' and 'Viola Meu Bem,' is a rich tapestry of Brazilian culture, identity, and heritage. The lyrics traverse various themes, from the laborious life of a worker in São Paulo to the nostalgic and spiritual connection to Santo Amaro, a town in Bahia. The repetition of 'trabalhei o ano inteiro' (I worked all year) underscores the hard work and sacrifice made to return to one's roots, highlighting the importance of cultural and familial ties.

The song also delves into the mystical and natural elements of Brazilian folklore. References to the 'sereia' (mermaid) and 'Yara' (a water nymph from Amazonian mythology) evoke a sense of enchantment and connection to nature. The imagery of 'areia do Saara' (Sahara sand) and 'folha da Amazônia' (Amazonian leaf) paints a vivid picture of Brazil's diverse landscapes and cultural influences. The mention of 'Roma negra' (Black Rome) refers to Salvador, Bahia, known for its significant Afro-Brazilian population and cultural heritage.

Bethânia's lyrics also pay homage to influential figures and cultural icons, such as Henri Salvador, Olodum, and Andy Warhol, blending global and local influences. The song's narrative shifts to personal and communal experiences, with lines like 'Minha senhora, onde é que você mora?' (My lady, where do you live?) and 'Vou me embora pro sertão' (I'm going to the backlands), reflecting a longing for belonging and identity. The recurring motif of the 'viola' (guitar) symbolizes the traditional and emotional ties to Brazilian music and rural life. Through this medley, Maria Bethânia encapsulates the essence of Brazilian identity, blending the past and present, the personal and communal, the mystical and the real.