Ná Óh Minino Ná

Nancy Vieira's song "Ná Óh Minino Ná" is a tender and soothing lullaby that speaks to themes of peace, love, and the inevitability of life's journey. The lyrics, sung in Cape Verdean Creole, evoke a sense of calm and reassurance, as the singer addresses a child, urging them to rest and find solace in the present moment. The repeated refrain, "Ná, ó minino ná," translates to "No, oh child, no," suggesting a gentle admonition to let go of worries and fears.

The song opens with a poignant image of a sweet face with sorrowful eyes, hinting at past troubles that need to be left behind. The singer speaks of a life of peace granted by a higher power, and the mention of "nha pecado di odju maguado" (my sin of sorrowful eyes) suggests a personal burden or regret that the singer is trying to soothe. This sets the tone for a reflective and introspective journey throughout the song.

As the song progresses, it delves into the duality of life, with its dreams of love and the inevitability of pain and death. The line "Si Deus más logo mandanu morti, quem qui tem medo ta morrê cedo" translates to "If God soon sends death, those who fear will die early," emphasizing the importance of living without fear. The singer offers comfort, inviting the child to rest their head on her shoulder and find peace in her embrace. The final lines, "Deta co geto, durmi na paz" (lie down with a smile, sleep in peace), encapsulate the song's overarching message of finding tranquility and acceptance in the face of life's uncertainties.