Badia

Mayra Andrade's song 'Badia' is a poignant exploration of love, longing, and the passage of time. Sung in Cape Verdean Creole, the lyrics convey a deep sense of yearning and the cyclical nature of emotions. The song opens with the idea that love can be reborn every day, suggesting that feelings for someone can resurface repeatedly, no matter how much time has passed. This is a universal theme that resonates with anyone who has experienced the enduring nature of love and the way it can persist despite distance and time.

The chorus, 'Ô badia, tempe k'um tem lonji di bô, nem tempe pará, nem tempe pará, pam rekupera,' translates to 'Oh badia, time that has been far from you, time does not stop, time does not stop, to recover.' This line encapsulates the essence of the song, highlighting the relentless march of time and the struggle to heal and recover from separation. The use of 'badia,' a term that can mean 'village' or 'home,' adds a layer of nostalgia and a longing for a place or person that feels like home.

In the final verse, Andrade uses the metaphor of the sun and the moon to describe love. She sings, 'Pamódi fládu amor é sima sol, ta durmi noti I sunhá lua,' which means 'Because they say love is like the sun, it sleeps at night and dreams of the moon.' This imagery beautifully captures the idea that love is a constant presence, even when it is not visible. The song concludes with a sense of hope and sacredness, as the singer keeps her light guarded, ready to shine when her loved one returns. This blend of melancholy and hope makes 'Badia' a deeply moving and relatable song.