Pomba
Ces%C3%A1ria %C3%89vora Lyrics

The lyrics to Cesária Évora's song "Pomba" depict a man who buys new clothes - a shirt, pants, and a hat - to wear to a place called Somada. The man exclaims "Oi pomba, pomba sta nobo mê!" which means "Oh dove, the dove is new to me!" The repeated phrase suggests that the man is either excited or surprised to be in this new setting, perhaps Somada. He also mentions someone named Arturo Santos, who he runs to once he reaches Somada. The lyrics provide a glimpse into the man's journey and his excitement at arriving at his destination.

Although the lyrics itself are not overtly political or poetic, Cesária Évora's unique Cape Verdean style of music is deeply intertwined with the political, cultural, and economic history of Cape Verde. The song "Pomba" is no exception, as it highlights the journey of a man who travels from one place to another, suggesting the deeply ingrained theme of migration in Cape Verdean culture. The lyric "M'compra camisa tabelado", which means "Buy me a shirt with stripes", suggests the theme of poverty in Cape Verde, as many people could not afford to buy new clothes.

Overall, the song "Pomba" provides a glimpse into the cultural and historical context of Cape Verde, and the themes of migration and poverty that are present in the song are deeply intertwined with the country's history.