Ess pais
Ces%C3%A1ria %C3%89vora Lyrics
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Bem conchê sabura di nôs terra
Bem conchê ess paraiso di cretcheu
Qui nôs poeta cantá co amôr
Na sês verso imortal criôl
Quem ca conchê Mindelo
Ca conchê Cabo-Verde
Dêss povo franco sem igual
Li nô ca tem riqueza
Nô ca tem ôro nô ca tem diamante
Ma nô tem ess paz di Deus
Qui na mundo ca tem
E êss clima sabe qui Deus dóne
Bem conchê êss pais
The lyrics of Cesária Évora's song "Ess pais" describe the city of Mindelo, which is located on the island of São Vicente in Cape Verde. The song is a love letter to the city and its people, expressing a deep affection for its unique cultural heritage and the warmth and generosity of its citizens. The opening lines of the song declare "Bem conchê ess Mindelo pequinino" or "Welcome to the small Mindelo", emphasizing the city's modest size and intimate character.
The second line of the song, "Bem conchê sabura di nôs terra" or "Welcome to the taste of our land", highlights the importance of Cape Verdean culture and its unique blend of African and European influences. The following lines, "Bem conchê ess paraiso di cretcheu / Qui nôs poeta cantá co amôr" or "Welcome to the paradise of our beloved / That our poets sing about with love", emphasize the city's beauty and the passion and creativity of its artists and poets. The final verse of the song celebrates the peace and tranquility of Cape Verde, which is seen as a special blessing from God.
Line by Line Meaning
Bem conchê ess Mindelo pequinino
Welcome to the small Mindelo, which is full of charm and character.
Bem conchê sabura di nôs terra
Welcome to the knowledge and know-how of our land.
Bem conchê ess paraiso di cretcheu
Welcome to the paradise of lovers.
Qui nôs poeta cantá co amôr
Where our poet sings with love.
Na sês verso imortal criôl
In his immortal Creole verses.
Quem ca conchê Mindelo
If you do not know Mindelo,
Ca conchê Cabo-Verde
You do not know Cape Verde.
Bem disfrutá morabeza
Enjoy the hospitality.
Dêss povo franco sem igual
From this unique and genuine people.
Li nô ca tem riqueza
Here we have no wealth,
Nô ca tem ôro nô ca tem diamante
We have neither gold nor diamonds,
Ma nô tem ess paz di Deus
But we have the peace of God,
Qui na mundo ca tem
Which is unmatched in the world.
E êss clima sabe qui Deus dóne
And this climate knows that God gives,
Bem conchê êss pais
Welcome to this country.
Contributed by Luke T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.