Cantiga de Amigo
Amália Rodrigues Lyrics
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Cercaram-me as ondas, que grandes são!
Eu atendendo o meu amigo!
Eu atendendo o meu amigo!
Estando na ermida, frente ao altar,
Cercaram-me as ondas, grandes do mar!
Eu atendendo o meu amigo!
Não tenho barqueiro nem armador
Morrerei formosa no mar maior!
Eu atendendo o meu amigo!
Eu atendendo o meu amigo!
In Amália Rodrigues's song "Cantiga de Amigo," the singer is seated in the chapel of Sao Simeão and is surrounded by the large waves of the sea. The singer is waiting for their friend, and despite being surrounded by the overwhelming waves, they remain steadfast in their loyalty to their friend. The singer then speaks of being in the chapel, facing the altar, but still being surrounded by the waves of the sea. The singer seems to acknowledge their impending doom, as they have no boatman or ship owner to save them. They declare that they will die beautifully, remaining loyal to their friend until the very end.
This song is a traditional Portuguese song that dates back to the medieval period. The style of the song is called "cantigas de amigo," which typically features a female speaker singing about the longing she feels for a male lover who is far away. However, in this particular song, the focus is on the singer's loyalty to their friend, rather than a romantic relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Sentada na ermida de São Simeão
I am sitting in the chapel of Saint Simeon
Cercaram-me as ondas, que grandes são!
The waves, which are so big, surround me!
Eu atendendo o meu amigo!
Listening to my friend!
Estando na ermida, frente ao altar,
Standing in the chapel, in front of the altar,
Cercaram-me as ondas, grandes do mar!
The waves of the sea surround me!
Não tenho barqueiro nem armador
I don't have a boatman or a shipowner
Morrerei formosa no mar maior!
I will die beautiful in the greatest sea!
Eu atendendo o meu amigo!
Listening to my friend!
Contributed by Makayla M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.