Montras

Mariza's song "Montras" paints a vivid picture of urban life in Lisbon, capturing the hustle and bustle of the city while contrasting it with the profound and grounding nature of true love. The lyrics describe the singer's journey through the city, encountering the everyday chaos and the myriad of people who inhabit it. From the confusion of the streets to the hurried passersby, the imagery evokes a sense of constant motion and noise. Yet, amidst this urban frenzy, the singer finds solace and reality in the love they hold dear, which stands out as the only constant and genuine element in their life.

The song's title, "Montras," which translates to "shop windows," symbolizes the superficial and transient nature of the city's distractions. The shop windows, streets, and traffic lights represent the external, often overwhelming aspects of urban existence. However, Mariza juxtaposes these with the deeper, more meaningful experience of love. The repetition of the line "Só o teu amor é tão real" ("Only your love is so real") emphasizes the contrast between the fleeting nature of city life and the enduring truth of love.

Mariza also touches on social issues, highlighting the struggles of various groups within the city. The mention of emigrants, the unemployed, and the everyday workers like vendors and police officers adds a layer of social commentary to the song. These references ground the song in the reality of Lisbon's socio-economic landscape, making the message of love's authenticity even more poignant. The imagery of seagulls flying on the horizon and boats leaving the quay further enriches the narrative, suggesting a sense of longing and movement, yet always returning to the central theme of love's unwavering presence.