Ai Lisboa
Amália Rodrigues Lyrics

In the song "Lisboa," Amália Rodrigues pays homage to the city in which she was born. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Lisbon, with its soaring seagulls and salt-scented air. The first stanza references the city's literary heritage, likely alluding to Fernando Pessoa's poem "Lisbon Revisited," which famously reads, "Here the poets mourn/ And the sailors chant/ In the cafés of Chiado/ Until the night grows old." The second stanza celebrates the city's storied past as a seafaring hub, calling it the "castle of the prow" of Portugal's old ship.

In the final stanza, Rodrigues references two significant cultural figures linked to Lisbon. Firstly, she mentions Saint Anthony, who according to legend, preached in Lisbon after returning from his travels. He is often associated with the city, and the annual feast day dedicated to him remains one of Lisbon's biggest celebrations. Secondly, the "voice made for fado" that Rodrigues sings of is likely in reference to her own artistry. Fado is a traditional Portuguese style of music characterized by mournful melodies and themes of longing and nostalgia. It is inextricably linked to Lisbon's culture and has been recognized by UNESCO as a part of the city's Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Overall, "Lisboa" is an ode to the city that shaped Rodrigues and her craft. The lyrics honor its history, sights, and sounds, highlighting the significance of its maritime past and its position as a symbol of Portugal's cultural identity.