Minha Velha

Paulo Flores' song 'Minha Velha' is a poignant tribute to the enduring strength and resilience of a mother figure, often referred to as 'velha' in Portuguese, which translates to 'old woman' or 'elderly lady.' The song paints a vivid picture of her daily life, starting from the early hours of the morning. At five-thirty, she rises with the hope of finding a love she has lost and a life she never had. This opening sets the tone for a narrative filled with longing and unfulfilled dreams.

As the day progresses, the lyrics detail her routine tasks, such as washing clothes at six-thirty and preparing breakfast at seven-thirty. These mundane activities are imbued with a sense of sacrifice and dedication. Her calloused hands and the memories of past sorrows reflect a life of hard work and emotional pain. Despite these hardships, she remains a pillar of support for her family, helping the narrator with simple tasks like putting on a shirt and offering emotional comfort.

The song also touches on the passage of time and the inevitable changes it brings. By Friday at seven, she reminisces with a neighbor about her youthful days, highlighting a stark contrast between her past and present. The final verses reveal her physical and emotional exhaustion, as she wakes up later in the morning, feeling the cold of a distant land. The narrator's gesture of affection and the shared memories serve as a poignant reminder of the bond between them. The song concludes with a touching scene of the narrator falling asleep in her arms, symbolizing a return to the comfort and security of childhood.

'Minha Velha' is a heartfelt ode to the sacrifices and enduring spirit of mothers and elder women, capturing the essence of familial love, resilience, and the passage of time.