Noite Severina

Ney Matogrosso's song 'Noite Severina' is a poetic exploration of the night, dreams, and the intimate desires that come alive in the darkness. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Severina, a character who embodies the night itself, moving gently and sensually through the shadows. The imagery of 'pedras sonhando pó na mina' (stones dreaming of dust in the mine) and 'pedras sonhando com britadeiras' (stones dreaming of jackhammers) suggests a world where even the inanimate has dreams and aspirations, reflecting the universal nature of longing and desire.

The repetition of 'cada ser tem sonhos a sua maneira' (each being has dreams in their own way) emphasizes the individuality of dreams and desires. This line serves as a reminder that everyone experiences the night and its mysteries differently. The night is personified as 'Severina,' a figure who moves through the city, her presence felt but not always seen. The 'ronco da cidade' (roar of the city) and the 'janela assim acesa' (a window thus lit) create a backdrop of urban life, contrasting with the intimate, almost secretive nature of Severina's journey.

The song delves deeper into the personal connection between the narrator and Severina. The lines 'eu respiro seu desejo' (I breathe your desire) and 'chama no pavio da lamparina' (flame on the lamp's wick) evoke a sense of shared longing and unspoken connection. The imagery of shadows and the tactile sensation of the 'lençol que te tateia a pele fina' (sheet that touches your fine skin) add a layer of sensuality and intimacy. The narrator's experience of feeling Severina's presence, yet not being seen, highlights the elusive and ephemeral nature of desire and connection in the night.

As the song progresses, the night is described as 'suassuna,' a term that can be interpreted as wild or untamed. The 'tocaia de animal que acompanha sua presa' (ambush of an animal following its prey) and the 'escravo da sua beleza' (slave to your beauty) suggest a primal, almost predatory aspect to the night and its desires. The impending arrival of dawn ('daqui a pouco o dia vai querer raiar') serves as a reminder that this nocturnal world of dreams and desires is fleeting, soon to be replaced by the harsh light of day.