Nave Terra
Rita Lee
A Hymn to Earth: Rita Lee's 'Nave Terra'
Rita Lee's 'Nave Terra' is a poetic ode to our planet, Earth, celebrating its natural beauty and life-giving properties. The song's lyrics are imbued with a sense of reverence and gratitude, likening Earth to a sacred vessel filled with nature. The repeated phrase 'Nave Terra cheia de natureza' (Earth Ship full of nature) emphasizes the planet's abundance and the interconnectedness of all living things. By referring to Earth as a 'nave' or ship, Lee suggests that we are all passengers on this journey, reliant on the planet's resources and care.
The song draws on religious imagery, particularly from the 'Hail Mary' prayer, with lines like 'Bendita sois vós entre os planetas' (Blessed are you among the planets) and 'Santa Terra mãe dos humanos' (Holy Earth, mother of humans). This comparison elevates Earth to a divine status, highlighting its importance and the need for its protection. The invocation of 'amém' at the end of each verse further reinforces this spiritual connection, turning the song into a kind of prayer for the planet's well-being.
Rita Lee's choice of words like 'vida, vida, vida' (life, life, life) underscores the central theme of life and its preciousness. The song calls for humans to recognize their mortality and the fragility of their existence, urging them to care for Earth 'agora e na hora de nossa sorte' (now and at the hour of our fate). This plea for providence and protection serves as a reminder of our responsibility to the planet and the need for sustainable living. Through 'Nave Terra,' Lee not only celebrates Earth's beauty but also calls for a collective effort to preserve it for future generations.