Zamba del Mar
Nora Sarmoria
The Eternal Dance of the Sea: A Journey Through 'Zamba del Mar'
Nora Sarmoria's 'Zamba del Mar' is a poetic homage to the sea, capturing its timeless essence and profound connection to life. The song opens with vivid imagery, describing the sea as the 'absolute sea' and 'father of the world,' evoking a sense of primordial origin. The metaphor of the sea as a 'dog licking the blue' and its 'salty entrails' witnessing the birth of life with a 'crown of fish' on ancient shores paints a picture of the sea as both a nurturing and ancient entity. This duality of the sea as both a life-giver and a witness to the passage of time is a recurring theme throughout the song.
The second stanza delves deeper into the emotional and spiritual connection between the sea and the singer. The sea is described as a 'living mirror,' a 'vibrant shadow,' and a 'suffering and shouting monster,' highlighting its dynamic and multifaceted nature. The imagery of the sea being 'imprisoned and alone' yet dreaming and growing internally suggests a sense of longing and unfulfilled potential. The 'white foam' that 'sings and cries' embodies the sea's nostalgia and its eternal dance between joy and sorrow.
As the song progresses, the singer expresses a deep personal connection to the sea, feeling its waves 'cresting in my blood' and singing to immerse herself in its 'hallucinated being.' This intimate bond is further emphasized by the descriptions of the sea as the 'sky of water,' 'flesh of the sky,' and 'crystal of bitter greenness,' portraying the sea as an ethereal and ever-changing entity. The final stanza brings a sense of melancholy and timelessness, with the sea 'biting the tail of time' and being embraced by the night and its 'timid stars.' Through these rich metaphors and evocative language, 'Zamba del Mar' captures the eternal, mystical, and deeply emotional essence of the sea, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its timeless clamor.