Tchintchirote
Cesária Évora Lyrics

Cesária Évora's song Tchintchirote is an eloquent critique of gossip and loose talk. The lyrics address a person who talks too much and spreads rumors like the tchintchirote, a small bird found in Cape Verde. The song opens with the line "Ouje, minha menina", which means "listen, my girl," and goes on to criticize the person for their big mouth and their tendency to speak on things they don't understand. The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea that, now that the girl has gotten herself into trouble with her gossip, she must face the consequences alone. The singer of the song, who is perhaps a victim of the girl's talking, expresses their fear of being dragged into the situation and facing the repercussions alongside the girl.

The song is a poignant reflection on the damage that can be caused by careless talk, and the importance of being mindful of the words we speak. Cesária Évora's soulful voice adds an emotional depth to the lyrics, making the song a compelling listen. The song also highlights the Cape Verdean musical tradition of morna, which is a slow, rhythmic music genre that is often used to tell stories and convey emotions.