Mar Azul (part. Cesaria Evora)

Marisa Monte's song 'Mar Azul,' featuring Cesaria Evora, is a poignant ode to the sea and the deep sense of longing for one's homeland. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of nostalgia and yearning, as the sea is personified as a gentle, guiding force that can lead the singer back to their roots. The repeated plea to the sea, 'Oh mar, detá quitinho bô dixam bai,' translates to 'Oh sea, stay calm and let me go,' emphasizing the desire to return to a place of comfort and familiarity.

The imagery of the 'mar azul' or 'blue sea' rising gently and the full moon illuminating the path home creates a serene and almost mystical atmosphere. This journey is not just a physical return but also an emotional and spiritual reconnection with the singer's heritage and loved ones. The mention of 'São Vicente pequinino' refers to the small island of São Vicente, highlighting the specific and personal nature of this longing. The sea becomes a bridge between the present and the past, between separation and reunion.

The song also touches on the passage of time and the enduring nature of this longing. Lines like 'anô passá tempo corrê' (years pass, time runs) and 'a mi ausente na terra longe' (I am absent in a distant land) reflect the ongoing separation and the hope for eventual return. The collaboration with Cesaria Evora, known as the 'Barefoot Diva' and a symbol of Cape Verdean music, adds an extra layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the song. Her voice, combined with Marisa Monte's, creates a powerful and evocative tribute to the sea and the enduring connection to one's homeland.