Mãe (Mãe Solteira)

Tom Zé's song "Mãe (Mãe Solteira)" is a poignant exploration of the struggles and resilience of a single mother. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the emotional and physical toll that motherhood takes, especially when faced alone. Each step, each sorrow, and each tear is meticulously woven into the fabric of her life, much like the intricate patterns of her knitting. The metaphor of the spider silently weaving its web represents the mother's patience and determination as she crafts her destiny amidst the challenges she faces.

The song delves into the complexities of love and forgiveness, highlighting the mother's experiences with irresponsible kisses, jealousy, and nights of forgiveness. The future is depicted as an uncertain entity lurking around the corner, and the sudden clarity of her solitude is a stark reminder of her reality. The repeated refrain, "Dorme, dorme, meu pecado, minha culpa, minha salvação," underscores the duality of her child being both a source of guilt and salvation, encapsulating the conflicting emotions that come with single parenthood.

Tom Zé also touches on the societal pressures and judgments that single mothers endure. The watchful eyes of neighbors, relatives, and society at large, armed with their moral lenses, add to her silent suffering. Despite this, she prepares her trap, using threads, lines, and needles to combat loneliness and bring a child into the world. The child becomes a symbol of her fears and her courage, embodying the essence of her struggle and strength. Through this song, Tom Zé pays tribute to the silent, often unacknowledged, strength of single mothers, celebrating their resilience and unwavering love.