Tiempo Y Silencio
Cesária Évora Lyrics

The lyrics of Cesária Évora's song Tiempo Y Silencio are a beautiful expression of love that transcends time and moments of sadness and joy. The first stanza paints a picture of an idyllic world where the lover has a house in the sky, a garden in the sea, and a bird on their chest, symbolizing the beauty and the freedom of the natural world. The stanza ends with a sense of hope and a new beginning, represented by the phrase "a volver a empezar," suggesting that this love is a cycle that keeps renewing itself.

The second stanza speaks to the depth and intensity of this love, portraying the passion and lost desires of the lovers. The desire for stars and the beating heart of a sparrow, suggest that the love is intense and powerful, fueling the emotions and desires of the couple. The idea of the island on the bed and the sunset is a continuation of the imagery of the first stanza, representing the tranquility and beauty that the couple find in the natural world.

The refrain, "Tiempo y Silencio," is repeated throughout the song, reinforcing the idea of the power of time and silence in the relationship. The idea of "Voz y Quebranto" (voice and heartbreak), shows the dichotomy of love, where happiness and sadness are two sides of the same coin. The final stanza brings an almost fatalistic view of love, where the singer is born from laughter, grows through tears, lives on the back of the beloved, and ultimately dies in their arms. The song is a beautiful and poetic tribute to the complexities and depth of love, a subject that has been the inspiration for countless artists, poets, and writers throughout the ages.