Carminho - Fado

Jose Malhoa - "Fado"

A number of years ago, I first heard the Portuguese music known as Fado, which means destiny/fate. The music embodies the longing feelings of loss expressed through mournful tunes and lyrics often about the sea or the life of the poor with a sense of resignation, fatefulness and melancholy.

  I was fascinated upon first hearing this music many years ago, but not knowing enough about it, the music I heard just didn't seem to capture my soul for whatever reason enough to listen to more, until today.The singer I heard sang a moving  song by a young woman known as Carminho. I was immediately reminded of the late and much loved, American born, Montreal singer Lhasa de Sela.

I wasn't sure what the connection to Fado and Lhasa's music was, but it resonated deep within my soul, without understanding the language. And then I found out just what the connection was when I learned that Lhasa was greatly influenced by the famous Fado singer, Amalia Rodrigues.

Hearing each singer you see the direct connection between these three women and it's a beautiful thing.

 Meu Amor Marinheiro

Sailor, my love

I feel jealous

Of the green waves of the sea

That insistently try to kiss

your body, as you stand before the tides.

I feel jealous

Of the wind that betrays me

Kissing you as you stand in the bow,

And runs away through the deck.

I feel jealous

Of the light of the full moon

That curls up around your body

In order to dance with you

I feel jealous

Of the waves that rise along your way

and of the mermaids that sing

That sing to charm you

Oh sailor, my love

Oh lord of my desires

Don't let the moon at night

Steal the color from your hair

Don't look at the stars

Because they would steal

The green of your eyes

These eyes color of the sea.