Born on the 27th August 1941 in the port town of Mindelo, Cape Verde, on the island of São Vicente. Long known as the queen of the morna, a soulful genre (related to the Portuguese fado) sung in Creole-Portuguese, she mixed her sentimental folk tunes filled with longing and sadness with the acoustic sounds of guitar, cavaquinho, violin, accordion, and clarinet. Évora's Cape Verdean blues often spoke of the country's history of isolation and slave trade, as well as emigration; almost two-thirds of the million Cape Verdeans alive live abroad.
Évora's voice, a finely-tuned, melancholy instrument with a touch of hoarseness, highlighted her emotional phrasing by accenting a word or phrase. Even audiences who do not understand her language could be held spell-bound by the emotions evident in her performances.
In 2004 she won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album.
A heavy smoker for decades, Évora was diagnosed with heart problems in 2005. She suffered strokes in 2008 and in September 2011, when she announced she was retiring. She died at the age of seventy in São Vicente, Cape Verde on the 17th December 2011 from respiratory failure and hypertension. A Spanish newspaper reported that forty-eight hours before her death she was still receiving people in her home in Mindelo, popular for always having its doors open.
Bo e di meu Cretcheu
Cesária Évora Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All of you and all of me
Fluorescent and starry
Some of them, they surprise
The bus ride, I went to write this, 4: 00 AM
This letter, fields of poppies, little pearls
All the boys and all the girls sweet-toothed
Each and every one a little scary, I said your name
Hash bars, cherry mash and tinfoil tiaras
Dreaming of Maria Callas, whoever she is
This fame thing, I don′t get it
I wrap my hand in plastic to try to look through it
Maybelline eyes and girl-as-boy moves
I can take you far
This star thing, I don't get it
I′ll take you over, there, I'll take you over, there
(Aluminum, tastes like fear, there)
(Adrenaline, it pulls us near)
I'll take you over
(It tastes like fear, there)
I′ll take you over
Will you live to 83?
Will you ever welcome me?
Will you show me something
That nobody else has seen?
Smoke it, drink
Here comes the flood
Anything to thin the blood
These corrosives do their magic slowly and sweet
Phone, eat it, drink
Just another chink
Cuts and dents, they catch the light
Aluminum, the weakest link
I don′t want to disappoint you
I'm not here to anoint you
I would lick your feet
But is that the sickest move?
I wear my own crown and sadness and sorrow
And who′d have thought tomorrow
Could be so strange?
My loss here we go again
I'll take you over, there, I′ll take you over, there
(Aluminum, tastes like fear, there)
(Adrenaline, it pulls us near)
I'll take you over
(It tastes like fear, there)
I′ll take you over
Look up and what do you see?
All of you, all of me
And fluorescent and starry
And some of them, they surprise
And I can't look it in the eyes
Seconal, Spanish fly, absinthe, kerosene
Cherry-flavored neck and collar
I can smell the sorrow on your breath
The sweat, the victory and sorrow
The smell of fear, I got it
I'll take you over, there
(Aluminum, tastes like fear)
(Adrenaline, it pulls us near)
I′ll take you over, there
(Aluminum, tastes like fear)
(Adrenaline, it pulls us near)
I′ll take you over, there
(It tastes like fear)
(It pulls us near)
I'll take you over
(I′ll take you over)
It tastes like fear
(It pulls us near)
Pulls us near
(Tastes like fear)
Tastes like fear
(Nearer, nearer)
Pulls us near
Over, over, over, over
(Nearer, nearer)
Over, over, over, over
Yeah, look over
(I'll take you there)
(I′ll take you there)
Oh, over
(I'll take you there)
Over, let me
(I′ll take you there)
(I'll take you there)
There, there, there, baby, yeah
The lyrics of Cesária Évora's song "Bo e di meu Cretcheu" paint a vivid picture of a complex relationship filled with emotions, struggles, and uncertainties. The song opens with the line "Look up, what do you see?" which invites the listener to reflect on the world around them and the interconnectedness of all people.
The line "Fluorescent and starry" suggests a sense of wonder and fascination with the world, while also hinting at the fragility and vulnerability of life. This is further explored through the phrase "Some of them, they surprise," indicating that not everything is predictable or controllable.
The lyrics then shift to a more personal perspective, with references to the bus ride and writing a letter at 4:00 AM. These details create a sense of solitude and introspection. The mention of "fields of poppies" and "little pearls" evoke imagery of beauty and delicacy, perhaps representing the small moments of joy and innocence in life.
As the lyrics progress, the theme of fame and its perplexities emerges. The singer expresses their confusion towards the concept of fame, stating, "This fame thing, I don't get it." They grapple with the idea that fame is something elusive and not easily understood or obtained. The references to "teenage film stars," "hash bars," and "dreaming of Maria Callas" evoke a sense of longing for something intangible, something beyond their reach.
The emotions expressed in the lyrics become more intense as they reveal a longing for connection and a desire to be understood. The repetition of the lines "I'll take you over, there, I'll take you over, there" suggests a yearning to escape or transcend certain limitations. The use of the phrase "tastes like fear" and "adrenaline, it pulls us near" adds a sense of urgency and the thrill of taking risks.
The lyrics then take a darker turn, exploring themes of addiction and self-destructive behaviors. References to substances like "Seconal, Spanish fly, absinthe, kerosene" and the line "anything to thin the blood" depict a longing for escape or numbing of pain. The mention of "cuts and dents, they catch the light" suggests a willingness to embrace scars and imperfections as part of one's identity.
In the closing lines, the singer acknowledges their own struggle and emotional turmoil, expressing their acceptance of their own sadness and sorrow. The repetition of "over, over, over, over" implies a continuous cycle of searching and seeking, suggesting that the journey towards self-discovery and understanding is ongoing. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the line "there, there, there, baby, yeah," implying a sense of comfort and reassurance in the presence of another person.
Overall, Cesária Évora's "Bo e di meu Cretcheu" explores themes of introspection, longing, fame, addiction, and the complexities of human emotions. It offers insight into the inner world of the singer and invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Look up, what do you see?
Take a moment to observe and contemplate your surroundings.
All of you and all of me
We are all interconnected and share a common experience.
Fluorescent and starry
Vibrant and filled with wonder and beauty.
Some of them, they surprise
Certain aspects or moments in life can catch us off guard and bring unexpected joy.
The bus ride, I went to write this, 4: 00 AM
During a late-night bus ride, I found inspiration to pen down these thoughts.
This letter, fields of poppies, little pearls
The words I am writing are like precious pearls strewn amidst a captivating field of poppies.
All the boys and all the girls sweet-toothed
Both males and females, with their innocent desires and cravings.
Each and every one a little scary, I said your name
Every individual carries a degree of unpredictability and apprehension, and I uttered your name in acknowledgment of this fact.
I wore it like a badge of teenage film stars
I carried this unease with me, displaying it proudly like how adolescent celebrities bear their fame.
Hash bars, cherry mash, and tinfoil tiaras
Places of indulgence, sweet treats, and makeshift crowns made from tinfoil.
Dreaming of Maria Callas, whoever she is
Imagining and yearning for an obscure figure named Maria Callas, a symbol of aspiration and mystery.
This fame thing, I don't get it
The concept of fame eludes me, I struggle to comprehend its allure and significance.
I wrap my hand in plastic to try to look through it
I metaphorically attempt to gain insight into the phenomenon by figuratively covering my hand with plastic, hoping to gain clarity.
Maybelline eyes and girl-as-boy moves
Eyes adorned with Maybelline makeup and movements that blur traditional gender roles.
I can take you far
I possess the ability to lead you on a transformative journey.
This star thing, I don't get it
The idea of being a star or idol is beyond my comprehension.
I'll take you over, there, I'll take you over, there
I can guide you to a different place or state of being, beyond the confines of society.
(Aluminum, tastes like fear, there)
Aluminum, a material that symbolizes anxiety and apprehension in this context, is present in that place.
(Adrenaline, it pulls us near)
The rush of adrenaline creates an intense connection between us.
Will you live to 83?
I wonder if you will live a long life until the age of 83.
Will you ever welcome me?
Will you someday accept and embrace me?
Will you show me something that nobody else has seen?
Can you reveal to me something unique and unseen by others?
Smoke it, drink
Engage in behaviors like smoking and drinking.
Here comes the flood
An overwhelming rush or influx is approaching.
Anything to thin the blood
We do whatever it takes to dilute and alleviate our emotions and feelings.
These corrosives do their magic slowly and sweet
Substances or habits that wear us down gradually but also provide a sense of solace and comfort.
Phone, eat it, drink
Distract yourself with your phone, consume food, and drink beverages.
Just another chink
Just another small defect or break in the routine.
Cuts and dents, they catch the light
The imperfections and scars we carry can shine and draw attention.
Aluminum, the weakest link
Aluminum, emblematic of fragility and vulnerability, represents our weakest point.
I don't want to disappoint you
I don't wish to let you down or fail your expectations.
I'm not here to anoint you
I'm not present to elevate or declare you as special.
I would lick your feet
I would express extreme devotion and submission to you.
But is that the sickest move?
But is that the most twisted or unhealthy action?
I wear my own crown and sadness and sorrow
I carry my own burdens, symbolized by a crown, of sadness and grief.
And who'd have thought tomorrow could be so strange?
Unexpectedly, tomorrow or the future holds an unpredictable and unusual nature.
My loss here we go again
Once again, I am confronted with the pain and emptiness of my loss.
(Aluminum, tastes like fear, there)
Aluminum, representing fear and anxiety, is present in that place.
(Adrenaline, it pulls us near)
The surge of adrenaline draws us closer together.
Look up and what do you see?
Direct your gaze upwards and reflect on what lies before you.
All of you, all of me
We encompass the entirety of our beings, both individually and collectively.
And fluorescent and starry
Radiant and filled with celestial splendor.
And some of them, they surprise
Occasionally, certain elements or experiences can catch us off guard, eliciting wonderment and astonishment.
And I can't look it in the eyes
I am unable to confront or face it directly.
Seconal, Spanish fly, absinthe, kerosene
Referencing various substances associated with altered states or heightened experiences.
Cherry-flavored neck and collar
A sensual reference to the scent or taste of their partner's skin.
I can smell the sorrow on your breath
I can sense the lingering sadness and grief in the air between us.
The sweat, the victory, and sorrow
Symbolizing the range of emotions encompassing physical exertion, triumph, and sadness.
The smell of fear, I got it
I am familiar with the scent of fear and recognize its presence.
I'll take you over, there
Allow me to guide you to a different place or state of being.
(Aluminum, tastes like fear)
Aluminum, reminiscent of fear, has a distinct taste in that location.
(Adrenaline, it pulls us near)
The rush of adrenaline draws us closer to each other.
I'll take you over, there
I will escort you to a realm beyond our current existence.
(Aluminum, tastes like fear)
The taste of fear is present, evoking the familiar flavor of aluminum.
(Adrenaline, it pulls us near)
The surge of adrenaline compels us to come closer together.
I'll take you over, there
I will transport you to a different plane of existence.
(It tastes like fear)
The sensation resembles the taste of fear.
(It pulls us near)
It draws us into its gravitational pull, bringing us closer together.
I'll take you over
I will guide and lead you beyond our current reality.
(I'll take you over)
I will assume control and navigate us to a new domain.
It tastes like fear
The flavor resembles that of fear.
(It pulls us near)
It attracts us and draws us closer together.
Pulls us near
Brings us in close proximity to one another.
(Tastes like fear)
Evokes the sensation and essence of fear.
Pulls us near
Draws us into its gravitational force, uniting us.
Over, over, over, over
Repeat and continue on repeatedly.
Yeah, look over
Yes, take a glance and observe what lies beyond.
(I'll take you there)
I will guide and transport you to that place.
(I'll take you there)
I will accompany and lead you to that destination.
Oh, over
Oh, beyond and above.
(I'll take you there)
I will be your guide as we venture to that place.
Over, let me
Let me take you beyond our current realm.
(I'll take you there)
I will be your guide on this journey.
(I'll take you there)
I will lead and accompany you to that location.
There, there, there, baby, yeah
Right there, in that place, my dear, yeah
Writer(s): Traditional, Rufino Almeida
Contributed by Sophia G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ruthlivramento9459
Grandissima la nostra Cesaria Evora.🌹🌹🌹❤🙏R.I.P.🙏
@amarilissuarez8376
Cesaria Evora es lo máximo que ha nacido en Cabo Verde, con esa voz tan privilegiada (QEPD). 🙏
@betaniasanchez6085
Hermoso!!!!💖💖
@paulaa5766
Beautiful.
@MrB2ramos
Titulo> Noiba - Compositor> Djonê Lomba
@guenoleadamantu8939
🌈