Lágrima
Mariza
The Melancholic Yearning in Mariza's 'Lágrima'
Mariza's song 'Lágrima' is a poignant exploration of longing, despair, and unrequited love, deeply rooted in the traditional Portuguese genre of Fado. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of sorrow and emotional turmoil, reflecting the singer's internal struggle and the pain of loving someone who does not reciprocate those feelings. The recurring theme of 'penas' (sorrows) highlights the weight of this unfulfilled love, as the singer goes to bed and wakes up with the same heavy heart.
The song's narrative delves into the paradox of desire and denial. The singer expresses a desperate longing for the beloved, even as she tries to convince herself that she does not want them. This internal conflict is vividly portrayed through the imagery of dreaming about the beloved at night, despite the conscious effort to reject these feelings during the day. The 'castigo' (punishment) she mentions is the torment of this unending cycle of hope and despair.
The climax of the song is reached when the singer contemplates death as a release from her suffering. The idea that a single tear from the beloved could bring her joy even in death underscores the depth of her emotional pain and the extent of her devotion. The act of spreading her 'xaile' (shawl) on the ground and allowing herself to sleep symbolizes a surrender to her fate, a poignant acceptance of her unfulfilled love. Mariza's powerful and emotive delivery of these lyrics enhances the song's melancholic beauty, making 'Lágrima' a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of unrequited love.