O Ébrio

Vicente Celestino's song "O Ébrio" is a poignant narrative that delves into the life of a once-celebrated artist who experiences a tragic downfall. The protagonist begins his journey as a talented singer, achieving fame and glory. However, his personal life is marred by a series of heartbreaks, starting with the women who profess eternal love only to leave him for others. The most significant blow comes when his wife, who once admired him from the audience, abandons him, leaving behind a farewell letter. This event shatters him, rendering him unable to sing.

The artist finds a glimmer of hope in his daughter, whom he raises with love and dedication. He returns to singing, driven by his love for her. However, fate deals him another cruel hand when his daughter dies, leaving him utterly devastated. This loss marks the beginning of his descent into obscurity. He transitions from performing in prestigious theaters to being booed off the stage in a circus. His career and life spiral downward as he turns to alcohol to numb his pain, earning him the label of "ébrio" or drunkard.

In his state of despair, the protagonist reflects on the falsehoods and betrayals of those he once trusted. He realizes that his so-called friends and relatives were merely opportunists who abandoned him in his time of need. The song concludes with a somber plea: he asks that no inscription be placed on his grave, but rather that fellow sufferers, the "ébrio" like him, come to share their secrets and tears. This final request underscores the deep sense of camaraderie and shared suffering among those who have fallen from grace, finding solace only in each other's company.