É Doce Morrer No Mar
Paulo Flores Lyrics

The song "Belina" by Paulo Flores speaks about the sweetness of death at sea; specifically, in the green waves of the sea. The repeating line, "É doce morrer no mar," which translates to "It's sweet to die at sea," creates a chilling yet somewhat peaceful atmosphere. Flores describes the sadness felt by the singer when the sailor they loved did not return one night; the ship returned empty, leading to a "triste noite," or sad night. The following morning, it becomes clear that the sailor was taken by the "sereia do mar," or mermaid of the sea.

The idea of the sea being a place of death is not a new concept, but Flores portrays it as desirable rather than scary. This could be interpreted as a reflection of the longing for peace or escape from life's hardships. Additionally, the idea of the sailor willingly making his "cama de noivo," or bed of a groom, in the arms of the goddess Iemanjá could be seen as a symbolic representation of a wedding between him and the sea, especially since Iemanjá is recognized as the queen of the sea in Afro-Brazilian religions. Ultimately, the song leaves the listener with an eerie feeling of acceptance towards death, specifically by drowning at sea.