Fado
Fado, the soulful genre of Portuguese music, is deeply intertwined with the culture and history of Lisbon. It tells stories of love, longing, and the city itself. Fado is often referred to as the soul of Portuguese music. It resonates deeply with the spirit of Lisbon. Its melancholic melodies and poignant lyrics tell tales of longing, love, and the vibrant life in Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods. In this list, we explore ten iconic Fado songs that encapsulate the essence of the city. Each track offers a different perspective on Lisbon, showcasing why Fado remains the soundtrack of its streets. Here are 10 Timeless Fado Songs About Lisbon.
10 Timeless Fado Songs About Lisbon
1. “Lisboa Menina e Moça” by Carlos do Carmo
Overview: One of the most emblematic Fado songs dedicated to Lisbon, “Lisboa Menina e Moça” translates to “Lisbon Girl and Young Lady.” Carlos do Carmo, a legendary figure in the world of Fado, immortalised the city with this song. The lyrics portray Lisbon as a young girl, growing and evolving, capturing its dual nature of innocence and experience.
Why It’s Iconic: The song’s poignant lyrics and melody evoke a sense of nostalgia, highlighting Lisbon’s charm and beauty. With references to the city’s famous neighbourhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto, it serves as a love letter to Lisbon’s past and present.
Notable Lyrics:
“Lisboa menina e moça, amada
Cidade mulher da minha vida
Lisboa das cantigas, das procissões
Dos pregões, dos namorados.”
(“Lisbon girl and young lady, beloved
City woman of my life
Lisbon of songs, of processions
Of street cries, of lovers.”)
2. “Cheira Bem, Cheira a Lisboa” by Amália Rodrigues
Overview: Known as the queen of Fado, Amália Rodrigues has contributed enormously to popularising Fado both in Portugal and internationally. “Cheira Bem, Cheira a Lisboa,” which means “It Smells Good, It Smells Like Lisbon,” captures the essence of the city through its unique aroma, bustling streets, and vibrant atmosphere.
Why It’s Iconic: This song brings to life the sensory experiences of Lisbon – the smell of the sea, the flowers, and the food. It’s an ode to the city’s lively character, combining Rodrigues’ soulful voice with vivid imagery that captures Lisbon’s essence.
Notable Lyrics:
“Cheira bem, cheira a Lisboa
A fragância de mulher
Cheira bem, cheira a Lisboa
Porque eu sei, o que é o viver.”
(“It smells good, it smells like Lisbon
The fragrance of a woman
It smells good, it smells like Lisbon
Because I know what it is to live.”)
3. “Lisboa Antiga” by Hermínia Silva
Overview: “Lisboa Antiga” or “Old Lisbon” is a nostalgic tribute to the Lisbon of yesteryear, reflecting on how the city has changed over time. Hermínia Silva’s rendition is among the most beloved, capturing the spirit of the past with its soulful lyrics and melody.
Why It’s Iconic: The song is a beautiful tribute to the old-fashioned charm of Lisbon, referring to the times when horse-drawn carriages were common, and life moved at a slower pace. It resonates with anyone who has walked the cobbled streets of Alfama and felt the history around them.
Notable Lyrics:
“Ai Lisboa de outras eras
Reviver teus resplendores
E a saudade dos navios
Nos corações dos marinheiros.”
(“Oh, Lisbon of other eras
Relive your splendors
And the longing of the ships
In the hearts of the sailors.”)
4. “Meu Bairro Alto” by Carlos Ramos
Overview: Carlos Ramos, one of the great pioneers of Fado, sings about Bairro Alto, a famous neighbourhood in Lisbon known for its nightlife and traditional Fado houses. “Meu Bairro Alto” is a celebration of this bohemian area, capturing its essence in a simple yet profound melody.
Why It’s Iconic: This song represents the heart of Fado culture, where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy live performances in intimate settings. It’s a homage to the place where many Fado singers, including Marceneiro himself, found inspiration.
Notable Lyrics:
“Bairro Alto de Lisboa
Que soubeste conquistar
Este fado que em ti entoa
Feito de rir e chorar.”
(“Bairro Alto of Lisbon
That you managed to conquer
This Fado that sings within you
Made of laughter and tears.”)
5. “Cais do Sodré” by Rodrigo
Overview: Rodrigo brings to life the spirit of Cais do Sodré, a historic district by the riverside in Lisbon. Once known for its bustling port and vibrant nightlife, this area has transformed but still holds the memories of its past.
Why It’s Iconic: The song is both a celebration and a reflection of the transformation of Cais do Sodré. It speaks of the sailors, the longing, and the vibrant life that once defined this district, showcasing how Fado continues to adapt while holding on to its roots.
Notable Lyrics:
“Cais do Sodré, cais das tormentas
Dos marinheiros a vaguear
Entre o sonho e a saudade
Das ondas que vêm do mar.”
(“Cais do Sodré, quay of torments
Of sailors wandering
Between the dream and the longing
Of the waves that come from the sea.”)
6. “Foi na Travessa da Palha” by Lucília do Carmo
Overview: Lucília do Carmo sings about the narrow alleyways of Lisbon in “Foi na Travessa da Palha” (“It Happened in the Alley of Straw”). The song speaks of love found and lost in the hidden corners of the city, evoking the intimate nature of Lisbon’s streets.
Why It’s Iconic: This song brings attention to the lesser-known parts of Lisbon, away from the main tourist attractions, highlighting the city’s everyday beauty. Moura’s voice, full of emotion, perfectly captures the romanticism and sadness associated with Fado.
Notable Lyrics:
“Foi na Travessa da Palha
Que eu perdi meu coração
Entre as pedras do teu chão
Fado do amor que falha.”
(“It was in the Alley of Straw
That I lost my heart
Between the stones of your ground
Fado of failed love.”)
7. “Rua do Capelão” Fernanda Maria
Overview: Fernanda Maria honours the street known as Rua do Capelão. This street, located in the Mouraria district, is famous for its association with the early development of Fado music and its connection to Maria Severa, a legendary Fado singer from the 19th century.
Why It’s Iconic: The song encapsulates the historical roots of Fado in Lisbon, paying tribute to the Mouraria district, which has long been a melting pot of cultures and the birthplace of Fado. Mariza’s powerful voice and emotive delivery make this song a standout tribute to Lisbon’s musical heritage.
Notable Lyrics:
“Rua do Capelão
Bairro da Severa
Onde há um coração
Que espera e desespera.”
(“Rua do Capelão
Neighbourhood of Severa
Where there is a heart
That waits and despairs.”)
8. “Lisboa Não Sejas Francesa” by Amália Rodrigues
Overview: “Lisboa Não Sejas Francesa,” which translates to “Lisbon, Don’t Be French,” is a playful and somewhat humorous Fado song performed by the iconic Amália Rodrigues. The song dates back to a time when Lisbon was heavily influenced by French culture, particularly during the early 20th century. This piece is a lighthearted plea for Lisbon to maintain its own identity, rather than adopting the foreign influences of Parisian fashion and lifestyle.
Why It’s Iconic: Amália Rodrigues’ rendition of this song stands out because it showcases a different side of Fado—one that is not solely about sorrow and longing but also about identity and cultural pride. The song is a reminder of Lisbon’s own unique charm and personality, a call for the city to embrace its Portuguese heritage amidst growing international influences. It highlights Rodrigues’ versatility as a Fado singer, capable of delivering not only melancholic and emotional pieces but also songs that are lively and filled with a sense of national pride.
Notable Lyrics:
“Lisboa não sejas francesa
Com toda a certeza
Não vais ser feliz
Lisboa tu sabes por onde
Comer e beber
E viver como um D. Juan”
(“Lisbon, don’t be French
With all certainty
You won’t be happy
Lisbon, you know where to
Eat and drink
And live like a Don Juan”)
9. “Lágrima” by Amália Rodrigues
Overview: Another gem by Amália Rodrigues, “Lágrima” means “Tear,” and though not explicitly about Lisbon, the city’s presence is felt throughout. The song speaks of deep emotions, longing, and the pain of separation, common themes in Fado that resonate with the city’s history and spirit.
Why It’s Iconic: While it does not directly mention Lisbon, the universal feeling of “saudade” (a Portuguese word that encompasses deep emotional states of nostalgia and longing) that the song conveys is inherently connected to the city’s soul. Amália’s delivery is powerful, making it a Fado anthem known worldwide.
Notable Lyrics:
“Que estranha forma de vida
Tem este meu coração
Vive de forma perdida
Quem lhe daria o condão.”
(“What a strange way of life
This heart of mine has
It lives in a lost way
Who gave it this gift.”)
10. “O Tejo Corre no Tejo” by Carminha
Overview: This song by Carminha, one of her generation’s most respected Fado singers, beautifully captures Lisbon’s relationship with the river Tagus (Tejo). The Tagus River is central to Lisbon’s identity, and Carminha’s song uses it as a metaphor for the passage of time and the flow of life.
Why It’s Iconic: The song reflects on how the river is a silent witness to the joys and sorrows of the city, mirroring the ever-changing yet constant nature of Lisbon itself. The gentle and soulful melody combined with Carminha’s emotive voice makes this a compelling tribute to the city’s landscape.
Notable Lyrics:
“O Tejo corre no Tejo
Num vaivém de marés
É um rio que apeteço
Como um rio de saudades.”
(“The Tagus runs in the Tagus In a to-and-fro of tides
It’s a river I long for
Like a river of longing.”)
Conclusion: Fado and Lisbon’s Eternal Embrace
Fado music is more than just a genre; it is the living, breathing embodiment of Lisbon’s soul. These ten songs, each with their unique take on the city, showcase how deeply intertwined Fado is with Lisbon’s history, culture, and daily life. From the bustling streets of Bairro Alto to the melancholic echoes along the Tagus River, Fado encapsulates every emotion that Lisbon stirs in its people and visitors. As you explore Lisbon, whether walking through its narrow alleyways or sitting in a traditional Fado house, let these songs guide you, offering a melodious window into the heart of this beautiful city.
If you’re planning a visit to Lisbon, make sure to experience Fado in its most authentic form. Head to the historic neighbourhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto, where the soulful strains of Fado can be heard in intimate bars and tavernas, keeping the city’s musical heritage alive and well. Also, don’t forget to check out the Fado Museum.
These songs will not only give you a deeper understanding of Lisbon but will also resonate with you long after you’ve left its sunlit shores.
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