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Capoeira Song Compendium Version 1.

A compendium of the most widely sung Capoeira songs with their English
translations. Plus a guide on Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation, a capoeira
glossary, an article about religion and its connection to Capoeira and other
articles about Capaoeira songs.

This work is an ongoing project and it is my hope that with feedback from users,
that this document can be regularly updated and thereby enriched.

Mathew Brigham (Espaguete), May 2006 ©

THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE FREELY DISTRIBUTED - DO NOT ABUSE THIS TRUST AND TRY TO MAKE MONEY FROM IT.

* I
Dedication

Axé to Caçapa and Grupo Bantus in


Tokyo and Bantus students around
the world.

Axé to Grupo Origens do Brasil , Bournemouth and


São Paulo and Instructora Bia and Mestre Adelmo.

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Aim
The aim of this document is to serve as a high quality resource for English speaking Capoeirsistas who wish to deepen their knowledge of the
most widely sung Capoeira songs and the wisdom contained therein and hopefully improving their Portugese at the same time. It is my hope
that with feedback from users, this document will expand and be enriched . I hope to release a revised version at least twice a year. Apart
from containing just lyrics in Portugese and English there is a section on pronunciation as well as a glossary at the end. There are also
sections on the different types of songs and improvisation (taken, with kind permission, from Grupo T.A.B.C.A.T), as well as a section
summarsing religious syncretism and its connection to Capoeira.

Acknowledgements
A debt is due to those soles who typed up capoeira songs (and in some cases translated them) and released them on the net to help budding
non-Portugese speaking Capoeiristas like myself! Songs that have been taken from the net, have been improved on; in particular with
reference to grammar errors, unnatural translations and missing cultural and historical references – perhaps the most important thing to help
deepen knowledge of Capoeira. In addition, a big thanks to Pirulito from capoeira4all.com and Instructora Bia from Grupo Origens do Brasil,
Bournemouth for their help with translations and cultural references. Finally a big thank you to Raposa from Shadowcatcapoeira, who
painstakingly edited this document for grammar, spelling as well as plain silly translations!!!!! Other non-lyric based acknowledgements are
found within the document.

Song Versions
There are often several versions of songs sung by different groups in different ways – Capoeira is an oral tradition so this is always bound to
be the case! The document will become too complex with all such variations, so just edit songs to tailour them to how you like them!

Feedback and Support


If you know of a popular song that is missing or an “exceptionally beautiful” song (will be put in separate section in Version 1.1) please contact
me so I can update this document. Similary, please contact me if you find any errors or know anything about the meaning or history of a
particular song. In this way the document will grow and be enriched. Note, I will only include group specific songs if they are widely sung by
many groups. Axé

Email feedback and support to: gowithwhatisATyahooDOTcom

Mathew Brigham (Espaguete), May 2006 ©


I
Capoeira Songs ..................1 Catarina (Rala Côco) .........13 Jogar Capoeira De Angola. 27 Pela Capoeira Eu Poder
Chuê chuê chuê chuà ........14 Jogo de Dentro Jogo De Fora Jogar .................................. 42
Abalou capoeira, abalou ......1 ........................................... 29 Pisa Caboclo...................... 43
Cobra Verde.......................15
A Bananeira Caiu .................1 lavadeira............................. 29 Pisa No Massapé Escorrega
Cruz-Credo, Ave Maria ......15
A canoa virou, marinheiro ....1 La Vai Viola ........................ 30 ........................................... 43
Cuidado Moço ....................15
Adão, Adão...........................1 Lá vem vindo...................... 30 Por Favor Não Maltrate Esse
Dà Dà Dà No Negro ...........16
A Capoeira Meu Amor..........2 Leva morena me leva ........ 30 Nego .................................. 44
Dalila ..................................16
A Hora E Essa......................2 Le La Lae Lae La ............... 31 Pra Lavar Minha Roupa Não
Devagar, Devagar ..............17
Ai ai ai ai (São Bento me Luanda é meu boi .............. 32 Tem Sabão ........................ 44
Dona Alice..........................17
charma) ................................2 Preta Calunga .................... 45
Dona Maria Como Vai Você Maculelê Maracatú............. 32
Ai ai Aide ..............................2 Princesa Isabel, Princesa
...........................................18 Meu Berimbau , Instrumento
Ajuda eu berimbau ...............3 Genial................................. 34 Isabel ................................. 45
Dona Maria Do Camboatá .18
Alô Maria ..............................3 Moleque E Tu..................... 34 Quebra Gereba .................. 46
É De Couro De Boi.............19
A Manteiga Derramou ..........3 Nhem Nhem Nhem ............ 35 Quem Jogo ........................ 46
E' De Manhã, Idalina Tà Me
Angola ê ê, Angola ...............4 Chamando..........................19 No Mercado modelo........... 35 Quem E Voce..................... 47
Apanha a laranja no chão, Eu Já Vou A Beleza ...........20 Ó Ligeiro............................. 35 Quem Vem Lá Sou Eu ....... 47
tico tico .................................4 Roda maravilhosa .............. 48
É legal, é legal....................20 Oi Nega que vende aí ........ 35
Aruanda ê.............................5 Sai Sai Catarina ................. 49
Ê Paraná. Ê Paraná. ..........20 Ô â ô â ei............................ 36
Bahia Axé .............................5 Salomê, Salomê................. 49
É o Mar vai virar Sertão .....21 Oi Sim Sim Sim .................. 36
Bahia começa com B ...........7 Santa Maria mãe de Deus . 49
É Só Prestar Atenção.........21 Olha O Nego sinhà ............ 37
Bahia De Qualquer Maneira.7 Sim sinha, Sim Sinho,........ 50
Eu sou angoleiro ................22 Olha Pomba voôu .............. 37
Bate palma pra ele ...............7 Sou Capoeira E Pego Na
Eu Sou Capoeira Tambem O Me Da Meu Dinheiro ...... 38
Boa Viagem..........................8 Sou Maculelê .....................22 Viola ................................... 50
Onça Morreu ...................... 38
Cajuê ....................................8 Eu tenho que ir me embora23 Solta A Mandinga............... 51
Zum, Zum, Zum ................. 38
Camungerê...........................9 Eu Vi A Cutia Com Coco No Sou Angoleiro .................... 51
Onde Vai Caiman............... 39
Canarinho da alemanha .......9 Dente..................................23 Tabareu Que Vem Do Sertao
O que é berimbau? ............ 39
Capoeira De São Salvador.10 Foi No Clarão Da Lua ........24 ........................................... 51
O Capoeira e o Pescador .. 39
Capoeira of Salvador..........10 Gunga é meu .....................25 Tava Lá Em Casa .............. 51
Parabéns pra você............. 40
Capoeira de verdade..........11 Iê Capoeira, Iê Capoeirá ....25 Tava lá na beira do Mar ..... 52
Para Roda Capoeira .......... 41
Capoeira E Defesa Ataque.12 Iaiaioio................................26 Tem Dende, Tem Dende ... 52
Paraná é............................. 41
Capoeira é da nossa cor. ...13 Iê Parana............................27 Tim, Tim Tim Aruandê ....... 52
II
Tô dormindo tô sonhando ..53 Songs that reflect special
Troca Mão Pelo Pé.............53 roda moments ..................65
Um pouquinho de dendê ....54
Songs that reflect special
Uma Volta Só .....................54 roda moments ..................66
Um, dois, tres .....................54
Brincadeira Mandinga ........55 Improvisation in songs....67
Vem Começo A Roda Io Io.55
Why Sing In Portuguese?70
Vinha da Bahia pra lhe ver .56
Você Que É Forte...............57 A Note On Oral Tradition .71
Xarél, Xereré ......................57
Xô xô meu canario .............57 The different types of
Capoeira songs ................72
Samba Songs....................58
Syncretic Religious
Lê Lê Lê Baiana .................58 Practice in Brazil ..............74
O Levanta Saia Mulata.......58
Capoeira Glossary ...........76
Praia Da Amaralina ............58
Sereia Sereia......................59

Maculele Songs ................59

Boa noite pra quem é de boa


noite....................................59
Cabana De Guerreiro .........59
E na hora ê.........................60
Tindolelê auê Cauiza..........60
Maculele Jurou Vinganca ...60
Sou Eu Maculele ................60

Brazilian Portugese
Pronunciation ...................61

III
Capoeira Songs A canoa virou, marinheiro The canoe capsized, sailor
A canoa virou, marinheiro The canoe capsized, sailor
No fundo do mar tem dinheiro In deep sea there is money
A canoa virou, marinheiro The canoe capsized, sailor
Abalou capoeira, abalou It shook capoeira, shook. No fundo do mar tem segrêdo In deep sea there are secrets
A canoa virou, marinheiro The canoe capsized, sailor
Shook capoeira shook, No fundo do mar tem malícia In deep sea there is trickery
Abalou capoeira abalou,
But if it shook let it shake A canoa virou, marinheiro The canoe capsized, sailor
Mais se abalou deixa abalar
It shook capoeira shook, No fundo do mar tem capoeira In deep sea there is capoeira
Abalou capoeira abalou,
But if it shook let it shake A canoa virou, marinheiro The canoe capsized, sailor
Mais se abalou deixa abalar
It shook capoeira shook, Mas se virou, deixa virar But if it capsized, leave it
Abalou capoeira abalou,
A canoa virou, marinheiro The canoe capsized, sailor
Oi está lá, no fundo do mar There it is, in the deep sea
A canoa virou, marinheiro The canoe capsized, sailor
The canoe has been capsized, but in every disaster there
is the opportunity to look on the bottom of the sea for
sunken treasure.

Adão, Adão Adam, Adam


A Bananeira Caiu The Banana Tree fell Adam, Adam
Adão, Adão
Oi cadê Salomé, Adão? Where is Salomé*, Adam?
O facão bateu em baixo My machete struck low
Oi cadê Salomé, Adão? Where is Salomé, Adam?
a bananeira caiu the banana tree fell
O foi na Ilha de Maré Salomé went to Maré Island
o facão bateu em baixo the machete struck low
Adão, Adão Adam, Adam
a bananeira caiu the banana tree fell
Oi cadê Salomé, Adão? Where is Salomé, Adam?
cai cai bananeira fall, fall, banana tree
Oi cadê Salomé, Adão? Where is Salomé, Adam?
a bananeira caiu the banana tree fell
Oi Salomé foi passear Salomé went for a walk
• bananeira also refers to the handstand used in Adão Adão Adam, Adam
capoeira. Oi cadé Salomé? Adão But where is Salomé, Adam?
This song may be appropriate to sing when a real
valentão (valiant one) is taught the art of falling.
* In the Christian Bible,Salomé is known as the
step-daughter of Herod the Great, who danced the
Dance of the Seven Veils. She is said to have
asked for the head of John the Baptist. What does
Adam have to do with this? Perhaps because he is
the "original man," Salomé wants to claim him as
well...
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A Capoeira Meu Amor Capoeira My Love Ai ai ai ai (São Bento me Ai ai ai ai (St. Benedict calls
charma) me)
Você se lembra de mim If you remember me
Eu nunca vi você tão só I never saw you that lonely Ai ai ai ai Ai ai ai ai
O meu amor, o meu xodó, minha My love, my sweetheart, my Bahia São bento me chama St. Benedict calls me
Bahia Ai ai ai ai Ai ai ai ai
Você se lembra de mim You remember me São bento me quer St. Benedict wants me
Eu nunca vi você tão só I never saw you that lonely Ai ai ai ai Ai ai ai ai
O meu amor, o meu xodó, minha My love, my sweetheart, my Bahia Pra jogar capoeira To play capoeira
Bahia Ai ai ai ai Ai ai ai ai
A capoeira meu Amor Capoeira my Love Conforme a razão The right way
A capoeira me chamou Capoeira called me
A capoeira meu Amor Capoeira my Love
A capoeira me chamou Capoeira called me

Ai ai Aide Ai ai Aide
ai, ai, aidê, ai, ai, aidê,
A Hora E Essa It’s now the time Joga bonito que eu quero ver Play beautifully because I want to
see
A hora é essa It’s now the time Ai, ai, aidê. Ai, ai, aidê.
A hora é essa It’s now the time Joga bonito que eu quero apprender Play beautifully because I want to
A hora é essa It’s now the time learn
A hora é essa It’s now the time Ai, ai, aidê. Ai, ai, aidê.
Berimbau tocou na capoeira Berimbau played in capoeira
Berimbau tocou eu vou jogar Berimbau played, I will go play This song is frequently directed at players who are
Berimbau tocou na capoeira making mistakes or generally playing sloppily in the
Berimbau played in capoeira roda. It can also be sung as a celebration of a great
Berimbau tocou eu vou jogar Berimbau played, I will go play game in progress.

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Ajuda eu berimbau The berimbau helps me A Manteiga Derramou The Butter Spilled
Ajuda eu berimbau The berimbau helps me Vou dizer a meu sinhô I'm going to tell my lord
Ajuda eu a cantar Helps me to sing Que a manteiga derramou That the butter spilled
Ajuda eu berimbau The berimbau helps me E a manteiga não é minha The butter is not mine
Ajuda eu a cantar Helps me to sing E a manteiga é de ioiô# It is the master's butter
Vou dizer a meu sinhô I'm going to tell my boss
Que a manteiga derramou That the butter spilled
E a manteiga não é minha The butter is not mine
E a manteiga é de ioiô The butter is the boss’
Vou dizer a meu sinhô I'm going to tell my boss
Que a manteiga derramou That the butter spilled
A manteiga é de ioiô The butter is the boss’
Caiu na água e se molhou It fell in the water and got wet
Alô Maria Alô Maria Vou dizer a meu sinhô I'm going to tell my boss
Que a manteiga derramou That the butter spilled
Vou ligar pra você I will call you to tell you A manteiga é do patrão The butter is the boss'
Alo, alo Maria Hello, hello Maria Caiu no chão e derramou It fell on the ground and spilled
Vou dizer que te amo I will say that I love you Vou dizer a meu sinhô I'm going to tell my boss
No final do ano In the end of the year Que a manteiga derramou That the butter spilled
Eu vou pra Bahia I will go to Bahia A manteiga não é minha The butter is not mine
E Maria, capoeira eu não largo não Maria, I will not abandon capoeira É prá filha de ioiô... It's for the master's daughter
Já tentei mas meu coração I Already tried but my heart Vou dizer a meu sinhô I'm going to tell my boss
Não vive sem ela não can’t live without it Que a manteiga derramou That the butter spilled
Tinha que perder a visão I have lost my sight
E nunca escutar então And never listened
A slave narrative about a "mysterious" spillage. A
A voz do lamento to your cries container full of butter has been knocked over, and • ioiô / ioiá (yoh-YOH / yah-YAH)
Ver um jogo de São Bento To see a game of Saint Benedict no one is taking responsibility. When asked, a slave These were the master's children, who were often
Explode meu coração My heart explodes says, "it's not my butter, it's the master's butter," allowed to play with slave children until a certain
which, while technically true, does not help resolve age. When slave children reached working age,
Vou ligar pra você I will call you to tell you the matter. Slaves would often use such tactics of however, they were separated from their white
Alo, alo Maria Hello, hello Maria "passive resistance" to remind the master of his friends. Slaves would often resent these children
dependence on them. thereafter, blaming accidents (like the one above)
Vou dizer que te amo I will say that I love you on them.
No final do ano In the end of the year
Eu vou pra Bahia I will go to Bahia
Capoeira angola, regional, samba de Capoeira Angola, regional, samba of
roda e maculele the roda and maculele
Isso tá no meu sangue It’s in my blood
Tá perto de mim It’s close to me
Só falta você You’re the only thing missing
Coro Chorus
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Angola ê ê, Angola Angola ê ê, Angola Apanha a laranja no chão, tico Grab the orange
tico off the ground, tico-tico
Angola Ê Ê, Angola Eh, Apanha a laranja no chão, tico tico Grab the orange
Angola Ê Angola Angola Eh Angola off the ground, tico-tico
Onde Eu Vim Where I Come From Se meu amor foi embora eu não fico If my love went away I won't stay
É De Angola Ê Ê, Is Angola, Eh Eh Apanha a laranja no chão, tico tico Grab the orange off the ground,
Onde Eu Vim Where I Come From tico-tico
É De Angola Iaia Is Angola, Iaia Meu abada é de renda, e de fita My abadá is of lace, and of ribbon
Apanha a laranja no chão, tico tico Grab the orange off the ground,
ANGOLA Ê Ê, Angola eh eh, tico-tico
ANGOLA Ê ANGOLA Angola eh Angola Não apanha com mão, só com pe e Don't grab with the hand
com bico only with the foot or the beak
Vou Me Embora I Will Go
Pra Angola Ê Ê To Angola, Eh Eh
Capoeira De Angola Capoeira Angola This song reminds players to use their feet and • abadá (ah-bah-DAH)
"beaks" instead of hands. It may also be used in the Loose capoeira shirt and pants, usually white.
Vai Vadiar* Will hang Around "money game," where a handkerchief full of money Probably came from the culture of dockworkers,
is spread in the middle of the roda. who often used flour or sugar bags to make their
Angola ê ê, Angola eh eh, clothing. The abadá mentioned here, made of lace
and ribbon, is an extravagant luxury.
Angola ê Angola Angola eh Angola • tico-tico (TCHEE-koo TCHEE-koo)
A small songbird that makes a "tico-tico" sound.
Ô Puxa Puxa, Oh, Pull It Pull It,
Leva Leva Take It Take It
Eu Quero Jogar I Want To Play
E Vadiar And hang Around

Angola ê ê, Angola eh eh,


Angola ê Angola Angola eh Angola

Capoeira É Mandingueiro Capoeira Is A Mandingueiro


Capoeira É Malandragem Capoeira Is Malandragem

*“vadiar” – to hang out, bum around, do nothing in


particular. A synonym for playing capoeira.

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Aruanda ê Aruanda ê Bahia Axé Bahia Axe*
Aruanda ê Aruanda ê Que bom It’s good
Aruanda ê, aruanda Aruanda ê, aruanda Estar com vocês to be with you
Aqui nesta roda here in this roda
Aruanda ê camar (Coro) Aruanda ê to camar (Chorus) Com este conjunto with this group of people
Bahia axé, axé Bahia Bahia axé axé Bahia
Vem de dentro do peito It comes from inside the chest Bahia axé, axé Bahia Bahia axé axé Bahia
Essa chama que acende This flame that lights Io ioioioioo Io ioioioioo
Meu corpo inteiro não pode parar My entire body cannot stop Ioioioo ioioioo
Eu sou mandigueiro de lá da Bahia I am mandigueiro from Bahia Ioioioo ioioioo
Axé capoeira salve Abadá Capoeira Axé long live Abadá Io ioioioioo io ioioioioo
Ioioioo ioioioo
Ioioioo ioioioo
Coro Chorus O vento the wind
Que venta tão lindo that blows so pretty
Oxalá que me guie Oxalá* who guides me Entre os coqueirais Through the coconut trees
Por todo caminho The whole way Isso é demais this is too much
Não deixe na roda a fé me faltar Don’t let my faith fail in the roda Io ioioioioo io ioioioioo
Sou vento que sopra eu sou capoeira I am the wind that blows I am Ioioioo ioioioo
Capoeira Ioioioo ioioioo
A luta de um povo prá se libertar The fight of a people to be free Io ioioioioo io ioioioioo
Ioioioo ioioioo
*Creator God in Candomblé - a spiritualist religion Ioioioo ioioioo
in Brazil. Bahia axé, axé Bahia Bahia axé axé Bahia
Bahia axé, axé Bahia Bahia axé axé Bahia

*Axé: The Yoruban word meaning life force or vital


energy

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A Benguela A Benguela On the fifth of February Em cinco de fevereiro
of the year of seventy-five do ano de setenta e quatro
Coro Chorus This sad event happened Esta tristeza aconteceu
A Benguela chamou pra jogar Benguela called to play In the city of Goiânia Na cidade de Goiânia
A Benguela chamou pra jogar Benguela called to play capoeira Mestre Bimba passed away Mestre Bimba faleceu
capoeira (repita uma vez) (repeat once)

Tudo começou assim It all started like this


Hoje eu tenho que lembrar Today I have to remember
De Maria Martinha do Bonfim Maria Martinha do Bonfim
Luiz Candido Machado Luiz Candido Machado
Que eram os pais de Mestre Bimba Who were the parents of Mestre
Bimba
Manoel dos Reis Machado Manoel dos Reis Machado

Coro Chorus

Em mil novecentos In nineteen hundred


Este fato aconteceu This event happened
Em vinte trés de novembro On the twenty third of November
O Mestre Bimba nasceu Mestre Bimba was born

Coro Chorus

Bimba assim dizia Bimba used to say in his way


Tocando seu berimbau While playing his berimbau
Sentado no velho banco Seated on the old bench
Ensinando regional Teaching Regional

Coro Chorus

Nos dias de formatura On the days of graduation


Era obrigado a jogar It was obligatory to play
O São Bento Grande e o toque de São Bento Grande and the beat of
Iuna Iuna
a Benguela nâo podia sujar In Benguela one cannot get dirty

Coro Chorus

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Bahia começa com B Bahia it starts with B Bahia De Qualquer Maneira Bahia by any means possible
Bahia começa com B Bahia starts with “B” Esse ano eu vou pra bahia de This year I will go to Bahia by any
Bahia termina e ia Bahia ends with “ia” qualquer maneira means possible
berço e mae da capoeira cradle and Mother of capoeira esse ano eu vou pra bahia de this year I go to Bahia by any
meu amigo era a Bahia my friend was Bahia qualquer maneira means possible
Bahia começa com B Bahia starts with “B” vou tocar berimbau I will play berimbau
Bahia termina e ia Bahia ends with “ia” vou da salto mortal I will give a backflip
Bahia começa com B Bahia starts with “B” vou jogar capoeira I will play capoeira
Bahia termina e ia Bahia ends with “ia” vou tocar berimbau I will play berimbau
vim falar dos velhos mestres I came to speak of old masters vou da salto mortal I will do a backflip
que viveram na Bahia who lived in Bahia vou jogar capoeira I will play capoeira
Bahia começa com B Bahia starts with “B”
Bahia termina e ia Bahia ends with “ia”
Bahia começa com B Bahia starts with “B”
Bahia termina e ia Bahia ends with “ia”
Bahia, eee, Bahia, aaa Bahia, eee, Bahia, aaa
Bahia, eee, Bahia, aaa Bahia, eee, Bahia, aaa

Bate palma pra ele Clap for him


O menino é bom The boy is good
Bate palma pra ele Clap for him
É bom é bom He is good, he is good
Bate palma pra ele Clap for him
O menino é bom This boy is good
Bate palma pra ele Clap for him
É bom é bom Is good, is good
Bate palma pra ele Clap for him

7
Boa Viagem Bon Voyage Cajuê Cajuê
Adeus Goodbye Vou mandar eu vou I’ll make myself go
Boa viagem Bon Voyage Cajuê* Cajuê
Adeus, adeus Goodbye, Goodbye Eu mandar Boiá I order Boiá
Boa viagem Bon voyage Cajuê Cajuê
Eu vou I’m going Ô menina linda Ô pretty girl
Boa viagem Bon Voyage Cajuê Cajuê
Eu vou, eu vou I’m going, I’m going Venha me buscar Come and find me
Boa viagem Bon Voyage Cajuê Cajuê
Eu vou-me embora I’m going to leave
Boa viagem Bon Voyage
Eu vou agora I’m going now *Cajuê refers to Cajueiro, which is a tree that grows
cashew nuts., In Brazil there is a city named
Boa viagem Bon Voyage Cajueiro and this song is probably referring to that
Eu vou com Deus I go with God city.
Boa viagem Bon Voyage
E com Nossa Senhora And with Our Lady
Boa viagem Bon Voyage
Chegou a hora The hour has arrived
Boa viagem Bon Voyage
Adeus... Goodbye
Boa viagem Bon Voyage

8
Camungerê Camungerê Canarinho da alemanha German canary
Camungerê como vai como tá Camungerê, how are you? canarinho da alemanha German canary
Camungerê Camungerê quem matou meu curió who killed my songbird?
Ô como vai vos micê? How do you do? eu jogo capoeira I play capoeira
Camungerê Camungerê mestre bimba é o melhor ê master bimba is the best
Se vai bem de saude If you are healthy canarinho da alemanha German canary
Camungerê Camungerê quem matou meu curió who killed my songbird?
Para mim é um prazer Then it’s a pleasure for me na roda da capoeira in the roda of the capoeira
Camungerê Camungerê quero ver quem é melhor ê I want to see who is the best
Vim aqui pra lhe ver I came here to see you canarinho da alemanha German canary
Camungerê Camungerê quem matou meu curió who killed my songbird?
eu jogo capoeira I play capoeira
Camungerê is a Brazilian greeting word - often e pastinha é melhor ê but pastinha is the best
used as capoeira greeting song especially when
teachers or students of one group enter the roda of canarinho da alemanha German canary
another. quem matou meu curió who killed my songbird?
eu jogo capoeira I play capoeira
na bahia é Maceio ê in Bahia and Maceio
canarinho da alemanha German canary
quem matou meu curió who killed my songbird?
eu jogo Capoeira, quero ver quem é I play capoeira
melhor I want to see who is the best
canarinho da alemanha German canary
quem matou meu curió who killed my songbird?
eu jogo capoeira I play capoeira
Caiçara tambem é ê and Caiçara is also the best
canarinho da alemanha German canary
quem matou meu curió who killed my songbird?
Eu jogo capoeira I play capoeira
mas Pastinha é o maior but Pastinha is the greatest

9
Capoeira De São Salvador Capoeira of Salvador
Oi meu mano, É jogo praticado na terra de São O my brother This game is practised in the land
O que foi que tu viu la, Salvador What was it that you saw there? of Salvador
Eu vi Capoeira matando, Capoeira I saw Capoeira killing Capoeira
Tambem vi maculelê, Capoeira É jogo praticado na terra de São I also saw maculelê, Capoeira This game is practised in the land
Salvador of Salvador
É jogo praticado na terra de São This game is practised in the land
Salvador of Salvador
Capoeira Capoeira
É jogo praticado na terra de São This game is practised in the land
Salvador of Salvador

Sou discipulo que aprende, I am a student who learns


Sou mestre que da lição, I am a master who teaches
Na roda de Capoeira, In a circle of Capoeira
Nunca dei um golpe em vão, I never did a useless kick, Capoeira
Capoeira
This game is practised in the land
É jogo praticado na terra de São of Salvador
Salvador Capoeira
Capoeira This game is practised in the land
É jogo praticado na terra de São of Salvador
Salvador

Manuel dos Reis Machado, Manuel dos Reis Machado,


Ele é fenômenal, He is phenomenal,
Ele é o Mestre Bimba, He is the mestre Bimba,
Criador do Regional, Capoeira The creator of Regional, Capoeira

É jogo praticado na terra de São This game is practised in the land


Salvador of Salvador
Capoeira Capoeira
É jogo praticado na terra de São This game is practised in the land
Salvador of Salvador

Capoeira é luta nossa, Capoeira is our martial art


Da era colonial, From the colonial era
Nasceu foi na Bahia, It was born in Bahia,
Angola e Regional, Capoeira Angola and Regional, Capoeira

10
Capoeira de verdade True Capoeira
Isso é Coisa da Gente This thing belongs to us
Se você faz um jogo ligeiro If you play a fast game
dá um pulo pra lá e pra cá Jump here and there
não se julgue tão bom capoeira It doesn’t mean you play Capoeira
well
Que a capoeira não é tão vulgar because Capoeira is not that cheap
Para ser um bom capoeirista To be a good Capoeirista
pra ter muita gente que lhe dè valor To have a lot of people giving credit
to you
você tem que ter muita humildade You need to be very modest
Tocar instrumentos, ser um bom Play instruments, and be a good
professor teacher
O capoeira faz chula bonita A Capoeirista sings pretty chulas
canta um lamento com muito emoção sings a lamento with much emotion
quando vê seu mestre jogando When he sees his mestre playing
Sente alegria no seu coração he feels joy in his heart
Ele joga angola miudinho He plays Angola and Miudinho
se a coisa esquenta não corre do If things get hot he doesn’t run from
pau the fight
Tem amigos por todos os lados He has friends everywhere
um grande sorriso também não faz a big smile doesn’t harm either
mal
Isso é coisa da gente This thing belongs to us,
ginga pra lá e pra cá ginga here and ginga there
mexe o corpo ligeiro Move the body swiftly
a mandinga não pode acabar the magic musn’t stop
Isso é coisa da gente This thing belongs to us,
ginga pra lá e pra cá ginga here and ginga there
mexe o corpo ligeiro Move the body swiftly
a mandinga não pode acabar the magic musn’t stop

11
Capoeira E Defesa Ataque It’s defence and attack
É defesa, ataque It’s defense and attack
A ginga de corpo Swinging of the body
E a malandragem And malandragem
Capoeira Capoeira
É defesa, ataque It’s defense and attack
A ginga de corpo Swinging of the body
e a malandragem and the malandragem
São francisco nunes Saint Francisco nunes
Preto velho meu avô The old black man, my grandfather
Ensinou para o meu pai He taught my father
Mas meu pai não me ensinou But my father did not teach me
Capoeira Capoeira
É defesa, ataque It’s defense and attack
A ginga de corpo swing the body
e a malandragem and the malandragem
O maculelê maculelê
É dança do pau Is a dance of sticks
Na roda de capoeira In the Capoeira roda
È no toque do berimbau Is the rhythm of berimbau
Capoeira Capoeira
É defesa, ataque It’s defense and attack
A ginga de corpo swing the body
e a malandragem and the malandragem
Eu ja tive em moçambique Ive already been to Mozambique
Eu ja tive em guinè Ive already been to Guinea
Tô voltando de angola Im coming back from Angola
Com o jogo de malè With the game of malè*
Capoeira Capoeira
É defesa, ataque… It’s defense and attack
A ginga de corpo swing the body
e a malandragem and the malandragem

*The Malês were a group of Africans who organized


a famous slave revolt in Brazil.

12
Se você quiser aprende If you want to learn Catarina (Rala Côco) Catarina (Grate coconut)
Vai ter que praticar It requires practice
Mas na roda de capoeira But in the capoeira roda O rala côco Grate coconut
E' gostoso de jogar It’s a delight to play catarina catarina
Capoeira Capoeira Fazer cocada* To make cocada
E' defesa, ataque It’s Defence and attack Catarina Catarina
A ginga de corpo swing the body O rala côco Grate the coconut
e a malandragem and the malandragem Catarina Catarina
Não quebra nada Don’t break anything
Catarina Catarina
Rala pra que Grate so that
Catarina Catarina
Rala e vender Grate and sell
Catarina Catarina
Rala côco, rala côco, Grate coconut, grate coconut
rala côco meu sinho Grate coconuts my lord
Rala côco, rala côco, rala côco Rasp coco, rasp coco,
meu sinho rasp coco my lord

Capoeira é da nossa cor. Capoeira is our colour


*Cocada is a desert from Bahia made with
au ê au ê au ê ê coconuts.
au ê au ê au ê ê
E Lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê ô E Lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê ô
au ê au ê au ê ê au ê au ê au ê ê
E Lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê ô E Lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê ô
tá no sangue da raça brasileira It’s in the blood of the Brazilian race
Capoeira Capoeira
é da nossa cor It’s our colour
berimbau berimbau
é da nossa cor It’s our colour
atabaque atabaque
é da nossa cor It’s our colour
o pandeiro o pandeiro
é da nossa cor It’s our colour
au ê au ê au ê ê au ê au ê au ê ê
E Lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê ô E Lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê ô
au ê au ê au ê ê au ê au ê au ê ê
E Lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê ô E Lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê lê ô

13
Chora Viola The Viola cries Chuê chuê chuê chuà Crunch, crunch, crunch....
E chora viola, chora, The viola cries, it cries Eu pisei na folha seca I stepped on a dry leaf
Chora viola. The viola cries ouvi fazer chuê chuà and heard it go crunch, crunch
Chora It cries chuê chuê chuê chuà crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch
Chora viola. The viola calls ouvi fazer chuê chuà and heard it go crunch, crunch
Chora It calls chuê chuê chuê chuà crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch
Chora viola. The viola calls ouvi fazer chuê chuà ouvi fazer chuê chuà
Chora It calls
Chora viola. The viola calls
Chora It calls
This song has been adapted from a famous samba
Chora viola. The viola calls by the group Fundo de Quintal, known for being
Chora It calls pioneers of pagode (party) music.

We might imagine that it is about a slave hiding in


the forest, fearful knowing every step might be
heard by the slave hunter, called the Capitão do
Mato ("Captain of the Jungle").

14
Cobra Verde Green Snake Cuidado Moço Take care young man
Eu pisei na cobra verde I stepped on a green snake Cuidado moço Take care young man
Cobra verde é um bom sinal A green snake is a good signal Que essa fruta tem caroço As this fruit has a seed
É um bom sinal um bom sinal A good signal, a good signal Cuidado moço Take care young man
Cobra verde é um bom sinal A green snake is a good signal Que essa fruta tem caroço As this fruit has a seed
Pela rama que da a arvore Through the branches of the tree
Sei da fruta que ela da I know of the fruit that she gives
Essa fruta tem caroço This fruit has a seed
Ela pode lhe engasgar She can choke on it
Cuidado moço Take care young man
Que essa fruta tem caroço As this fruit has a seed
Cuidado moço Take care young man
Que essa fruta tem caroço As this fruit has a seed
Mais vale nossa amizade Our friendship is better
Que dinheiro no meu bolso than the money in my pocket
Para quem sabe viver To those who know how to live
Essa vida é um colosso This life is a colossus
Cuidado moço Take care young man
Que essa fruta tem caroço As this fruit has a seed
Cruz-Credo, Ave Maria Cross-confession, Heil Maria Cuidado moço Take care young man
Que essa fruta tem caroço As this fruit has a seed
Cruz-Credo, Ave Maria Holy Cross, Hail Maria Ando com o corpo fechado I walk with a closed body*
Quanto mais eu cantava The more I sang E um rosario no pescoço And a rosary around the neck
Ninguém respondia Nobody answered Fui criado la na roça I was a servant in the country
Cruz-Credo, Ave Maria Holy Cross, Hail Maria Tomando agua de poço Drinking water from the well
Essa roda é de mudo This roda is mute Cuidado moço Take care young man
e eu não sabia and I didn’t know Que essa fruta tem caroço As this fruit has a seed
Cruz-Credo, Ave Maria Cross-confession, Hail Maria Cuidado moço Take care young man
Quanto mais eu rezava The more I prayed Que essa fruta tem caroço As this fruit has a seed
Assombração aparecia The ghost appeared Você jogava muito You played a lot
Cruz-Credo, Ave Maria Cross-confession, Hail Maria No tempo que era moço When you were a young boy
Eu rezava de noite I prayed at night Já tá ficando velho You’re already getting old
E rezava de dia and prayed during the day
Cruz-Credo, Ave Maria Cross-confession, Hail Maria
Eu rezava e gritava I prayed and cried out
E ninguém respondia And nobody answered

15
Olha as rugas no seu rosto Look at the wrinkles on your face Dà Dà Dà No Negro Get get get the negro
Cuidado moço Take care young man
Que essa fruta tem caroço As this fruit has a seed No negro você não dà You don’t get the negro
Cuidado moço Take care young man Dà dà dà no negro Get get get the negro
Que essa fruta tem caroço As this fruit has a seed Mas se der vai apanhar But if you get him, you’ll take a
Cachorro que é esperto The dog that is smart beating
Come a carne e roi o osso eats the meat and gnaws it to the Dà dà dà no negro Get get get the negro
bone No negro você não dà You don’t get the negro
A mulher quando não presta A woman when she’s not paying Dà dà dà no negro Get get get the negro
attention Jogue o negro para cima Throw the negro upwards
Mata o cabra de desgosto Disgustingly kills the goat Dà dà dà no negro Get get get the negro
Cuidado moço Take care young man Deixa o negro vadiar Let the negro mess around
Que essa fruta tem caroço As this fruit has a seed Dà dà dà no negro Get get get the negro
Cuidado moço Take care young man No negro você não dà You don’t get the negro
Que essa fruta tem caroço As this fruit is caroço Dà dà dà no negro Get get get the negro

* There are rituals in candomblé that can be


performed to “close” the body, magically protecting
it from injury.

Dalila Dalila
Ê dalila, ilê ilê, dalila ô Ê dalila, ilê ilê, dalila ô
ê dalila, ilê ilê, dalila ô ê dalila, ilê ilê, dalila ô
capoeira mandou lhe dizer, também capoeira told me to say to you,
capoeira mandou lhe chamar capoeira also told me to call you
capoeira mandou lhe dizer, capoeira told me to say to you,
também capoeira mandou lhe capoeira also told me to call you
chamar
quero falar com dalila, dalila, dalila, I want to speak with dalila, dalila,
dalila dalila, dalila
quero falar com dalila, dalila, dalila, I want to speak with dalila, dalila,
dalila dalila, dalila
dalila, dalila dalila, dalila
ê dalila, ilê ilê, dalila ô ê dalila, ilê ilê, dalila ô
vamos se embora dalila let’s go dalila
ê dalila, ilê ilê, dalila ô ê dalila, ilê ilê, dalila ô

16
Devagar, Devagar Slowly, Slowly Dona Alice Ms Alice
ê dona alice Hey Ms Alice
Devagar, devagar Slowly, Slowly não me pegue não Don’t grab me, no
Devagar, devagarinho Slowly, very slowly não me pegue, Don’t grab me
Devagar, devagar Slowly, Slowly não me agarre, Don’t clutch me
Cuidado com o seu pezinho Be careful with your foot não me pegue a mão. Don’t grab my hand
Devagar, devagar Slowly, Slowly Ê dona alice Hey Ms Alice
Capoeira de angola é devagar Capoeira de angola is played slowly não me pegue não Don’t grab me, no
Devagar, devagar Slowly, Slowly não me pegue, Don’t grab me
Esse jogo é devagar This game is slow não me agarre, Don’t clutch me
Devagar, devagar Slowly, Slowly não me pegue a mão Don’t grab my hand
Eu falei devagar, devagarinho I said slowly, very slowly Ê dona alice Hey Ms Alice
Devagar, devagar Slowly, Slowly não me pegue não Don’t grab me
Esse jogo bonito é devagar This pretty game is played slowly
Devagar, devagar Slowly, Slowly
Falei devagar, falei devagar I said slowly, very slowly A song well suited to a game in which
Devagar, devagar Slowly, Slowly one capoeirista is getting a little too
"clingy" with the other. For historical
This is a song reminding players to slow their game informations, Dona Alice was one of
down. Usually played in Angola. Mestre Bimba's mistresses! This
song is about resisting temptation to
fall into another woman's arms. A
parallel is easily made with the
capoeira game.

17
Dona Maria Como Vai Você Ms Maria, how do you do? Dona Maria Do Camboatá Ms Maria of Camboatá
E vai você, e vai você. How ya doing, how ya doing? Dona maria do camboatá Ms maria of camboatá*
Dona maria, como vai você? Ms Maria, how do you do? Ela chega na venda She arrives at the market
Como vai você como vai você How ya doing, how ya doing? ela manda botá and orders people around
Dona maria, como vai você? Ms Maria, how do you do? Dona maria do camboatá Ms maria of camboatá
Joga bonito que eu quero ver Play beautifully as I like to watch Ela chega na venda e começa a She arrives at the market and starts
Dona maria, como vai você? Ms Maria, how do you do? gingar to ginga
E como vai como passou How are you doing, how is it going? Dona maria do camboatá Ms maria of camboatá
Dona maria, como vai você? Ms Maria, how ya doing? Ela chega na venda e dá salto mortal She arrives at the market and does a
E vai você, e vai você. How ya doing, how ya doing? backflip
Dona maria, como vai você? Ms Maria, how ya doing? Dona maria do camboatá Ms maria of camboatá
O joga bonito que eu quero aprender. Play beautifully because I want to
learn This appears to be a song about a woman who has •camboatá (kahm-boh-ah-TAH)
come to the market to "raise hell." Perhaps This word may connote of two things: 1) certain
someone tried to sell her a rotten coconut? plants with medicinal properties; or 2) a small fish
that lives in fresh water.

18
É Com O Pé Que Se Bate He keeps rhythm with his foot E' De Manhã, Idalina Tà Me In the morning, idalina is calling
Chamando me
Quem nunca jogou capoeira, Whoever never played capoeira,
Ainda não sabe o que é bom, Doesn’t know what’s good about it Idalina tem o costume Idalina has the habit
É cultura brasileira, It is Brazilian culture, De chamar e vai andando to call and go walking
Ensina o folclore, It teaches folklore, E' de manhã, idalina tà me In the morning, idalina is calling
E é luta da gente, And it is the fight of people, chamando me
Quando se escuta o pandeiro, When listening to the pandeiro, O idalina meu amor idalina my love
Rimando com o atabaque, Rhythm of the atabaque, Idalina tà me esperando Idalina is waiting for me
O berimbau vem dizendo, the berimbau comes in saying, E' de manhã, idalina tà me In the morning, idalina is calling
Não é com a mão, It’s not with the hand, chamando me
É com o pé que se bate It’s with the foot that you hit Idalina tem o costume Idalina has the habit
Não é com a mão Not with the hand De mandar e se vai andando To give a command and then leave
É com o pé que se bate It’s with the foot that you hit E' de manhã, idalina tà me In the morning, idalina is calling
Não é com a mão Not with the hand chamando me
É com o pé que se bate He keeps rhythm with his foot Idalina tem o costume Idalina has the damned habit of
Não é com a mão Not with the hand Danado de falar de homem talking about men
É com o pé que se bate He keeps rhythm with his foot E' de manhã, idalina tà me In the morning, idalina is calling
Não é com a mão Not with the hand chamando me
É com o pé que se bate He keeps rhythm with his foot Idalina meu amor Idalina my love
Idalina tà me esperando Idalina is waiting for me
E' de manhã, idalina tà me In the morning, idalina is calling
chamando me

É De Couro De Boi É de couro de boi


O meu berimbau tem cordão de ouro My berimbau has a golden cord
Ie o meu atabaque Oh, my atabaque
É de couro de boi It’s made of ox leather

19
Eu Já Vou A Beleza I already I go the beauty Ê Paraná. Ê Paraná. It’s Paraná, it’s Paraná,
Eu já vou a beleza, eu já vou me I already go to the beauty, I’m É Paraná, é Paraná, It’s Paraná, it’s Paraná,
embora already leaving Terra da boa madeira, Paraná Land of good wood, Paraná
Eu já vou a beleza, eu já vou me I already go to the beauty, I already Ê Paraná, e Paraná, It’s Paraná, it’s Paraná,
embora went Eu vim aqui aqui não vou voltar, I came here, I’m not going back
Eu já vou a beleza, eu já vou me I already go to the beauty, I already Paraná Paraná
embora went Ê Paraná, e Paraná, It’s Paraná, it’s Paraná,
Eu já vou a beleza, eu já vou me I already go to the beauty, I already Eu quero ver você jogar, Paraná. I want to see you play, Paraná.
embora went Ê Paraná, e Paraná, It’s Paraná, it’s Paraná,
Eu quero ver você cantar,Paraná. I want to see you sing, Paraná.
Ê Paraná, e Paraná, It’s Paraná, it’s Paraná,
Eu vim aqui aqui não vou voltar, I came here, I’m not going back
Paraná Paraná
Ê Paraná, e Paraná, It’s Paraná, it’s Paraná,
Paraná, Paranaué, Paraná. Paraná, Paranaué, Paraná.
Ê Paraná, e Paraná, It’s Paraná, it’s Paraná,
,

É legal, é legal It’s great, It’s great


É legal, é legal It’s great, It’s great
jogar capoeira e tocar berimbau To olay capoeira and play the
berimbau
é legal, é legal It’s great, It’s great
jogar capoeira é um negocio legal Playing capoeira is a great thing
é legal, é legal It’s great, it’s great

20
É o Mar vai virar Sertão The Sea turns to the Hinterland É Só Prestar Atenção Pay Attention
Ôh Nana deixa eu ir Ôh Nana let me go Iê madalena rojão, bota lenha no Iê madalena rocket, put firewood in
Ôh Nana eu vou só Ôh Nana I’m going alone fogão, the stove,
Ôh Nana deixa eu ir Ôh Nana let me go Para fazer armação To make a great fire
Lá pro Sertão* de Caipó There to the Caipó hinterland Hoje é dia de sol, alegria de coiôte, é Today is a sunny day, joy of coiôte,
Ôh Nana deixa eu ir Ôh Nana let me go curtir o verão Enjoy the summer
Ôh Nana eu vou só Ôh Nana I’m going alone Iiiê te te te te te tee iê Iiiê te te te te te tee iê
Ôh Nana deixa eu ir Ôh Nana let me go Te te te te te teiâ Te te te te te teiâ
Lá pro Sertão de Caipó There to the Caipó hinterland Iiiê te te te te te tee iê Iiiê te te te te te tee iê
O Sertão vai virar mar Hinterland will turn into sea Te te te te te teiâ Te te te te te teiâ
É O Mar Vai Virar Sertão The sea will turn into hinterland É so prestar atenção, que essa luta Pay attention, this is a Brazilian fight,
O Sertão vai virar mar Hinterland will turn into sea brasileira Capoeira meu irmão. Capoeira, my brother.
É O Mar Vai Virar Sertão The sea will turn into hinterland
É so prestar atenção, que essa Pay attention, this Brazilian fight is
* Sertão semi-arid region comprising parts of the luta brasileira Capoeira meu irmão. Capoeira, my brother
states of Bahia, Pernambuco, Paraíba, Rio Grande É so prestar atenção, essa luta Pay attention, this Brazilian fight is
do Norte, Ceará and Piauí
brasileira é Capoeira meu irmão. Capoeira, my brother

É so prestar atenção, que essa Pay attention, this Brazilian fight is


luta brasileira Capoeira meu irmão. Capoeira, my brother

Agora eu quero ouvir berimbau Now I want to hear berimbau


Agora eu quero ouvir o pandeiro Now I want to hear the pandeiro
Agora eu quero ouvir atabaque Now I want to hear atabaque
Agora eu quero ouvir agogô Now I want to hear the agogô
Agora eu quero ouvir reco-reco Now I want to hear the reco-reco

21
Eu sou angoleiro I am an angoleiro Eu Sou Capoeira Tambem Sou I am capoeira I am also
Maculelê maculelê
Eu sou angoleiro I am an angoleiro
angoleiro é o que eu sou angoleiro is what I am Quando chego no mercado modelo+ When I arrive at the Mercado Modelo
eu sou angoleiro I am an angoleiro in the party of the dawn
angoleiro de valor An angoleiro of value na festa do amanhecer The girl starts to call
eu sou angoleiro I am angoleiro a morena* começa a chamar asking, negro what are you doing?
angoleiro salvador angoleiro saviour perguntando, negão que vai fazer I respond
eu sou angoleiro I am angoleiro eu respondo I am capoeira I am also maculêlê
angoleiro sim senhor angoleiro yes Sir eu sou capoeira tambem sou
eu sou angoleiro I am angoleiro maculelê I am capoeira I am also maculelê
meu mestre me ensinou my master taught me eu sou capoeira tambem sou
eu sou angoleiro I am angoleiro maculêlê la, la, lauá
la, la, lauá la, la, lauê
la, la, lauê lauê
lauê la, la, lauá
la, la, lauá la, la, lauê
la, la, lauê
+Famous market in Salvador, Bahia

*Morena can refer to skin or hair; it can either mean +The Mercado Modelo is a famous market in
a dark-skinned woman, or a brunette. Salvador

22
Eu tenho que ir me embora I Have To Go Away Eu Vi A Cutia Com Coco No I saw a cutia* with coconut in
Dente the teeth
Eu tenho que ir-me embora I have to go away
eu não posso demorar I can't be delayed Eu vi a cutia com coco no dente, I saw a cutia with coconut in its teeth
A maré tá cheia, The tide is high
eu não posso navegar I can't sail Com coco no dente com coco no With coconut in its teeth with coconut
dente in its teeth
Eu Tenho Que Ir-Me Embora I Have To Go Away Eu vi a cutia com coco no dente I saw a cutia with coconut in its
Eu Não Posso Demorar I Can't Be Delayed teeth
Comendo farinha, olhando pra gente. Eating flour, looking at us.
A maré tá cheia, The tide is high Eu vi a cutia com coco no dente I saw a cutia with coconut in its
eu não posso navegar I can't sail mouth
Com coco no dente com coco no With coconut in its teeth with coconut
Eu Tenho Que Ir-Me Embora I Have To Go Away dente. in its teeth
Eu Não Posso Demorar I Can't Be Delayed

Eu não posso demorar I can't be delayed *A small chipmunk-like rodent found in the forests
eu não posso navegar I can't sail and "capoeiras" of Brazil. Here, "capoeira" refers to
a grassy field clearned from the forest, not the
movement form.
Eu Tenho Que Ir-Me Embora I Have To Go Away
This song remarks upon a cutia unashamedly
Eu Não Posso Demorar I Can't Be Delayed showing coconut dangling from its teeth.

23
Foi No Clarão Da Lua It was in the moonlight,
Foi..... It was.....
Foi no clarão da lua It was in the moonlight
que eu vi acontecer that I saw it happen
Num vale tudo com jiu-jitsu In a freefight with jiu-jitsu
o capoeira vencer., mas foi the capoeirista won
Foi..... It was.....
Foi no clarão da lua It was in the moonlight
que eu vi acontecer that I saw it happen
Num vale tudo com jiu-jitsu In a freefight with jiu-jitsu
o capoeira vencer the capoeirista won
Deu armada, e deu rasteira He gave an armada and rasteria
meia lua e a ponteira meia lua and a ponteira
logo no primeiro round Soon in the first round
venceu o capoeira The capoeirista won
em baixo do ring Below in the ring
mestre bimba vibrava Mestre Bimba was thrilled
tocando seu berimbau playing his berimbau
enquanto a gente cantava while the people sang
Foi..... It was.....
Foi no clarão da lua It was in the moonlight
que eu vi acontecer that I saw it happen
Num vale tudo com jiu-jitsu In a freefight with jiu-jitsu
o capoeira vencer the capoeirista won

24
Gunga é meu Gunga is mine Iê Capoeira, Iê Capoeirá Iê Capoeira Iê Capoeira
Gunga é meu, gunga é meu The gunga is mine, the gunga is mine Iê Capoeira Iê Capoeira Iê Capoeira Iê Capoeira
Gunga é meu, é meu, é meu The gunga is mine, the gunga is mine Iê Capoeira Iê Capoeira Iê Capoeira Iê Capoeira
Iê Capoeira Iê Capoeira Iê Capoeira Iê Capoeira
Gunga É Meu, Gunga É Meu The gunga is mine, the gunga is Iê Capoeira Iê Capoeira Iê Capoeira Iê Capoeira
mine Quando chegou na Bahia, When I arrived in Bahia,
Gunga é meu, foi pai quem me deu The gunga is mine, my dad gave it Trago berimbau em mão, Carrying berimbau in hand,
me Eu toco cavalaria, I play the cavalaria rhythm,
Gunga É Meu, Gunga É Meu The gunga is mine, the gunga is Gosto de fazer canção, Capoeira I love to make a song, Capoeira
mine Coro Chorus
Gunga é meu, eu não dou a ninguém The gunga is mine, I give it to noone Ninguém sabe o sofrimento, Nobody knows the suffering,
Gunga É Meu, Gunga É Meu The gunga is mine, the gunga is Ninguém sabe a minha dor, Nobody knows my pain,
mine Olha o negro de Angola look at the blacks of Angola
Eu não vendo, eu não dou I won't sell it, I won't give it Oh lutou e se libertou Capoeira Who fought and freed Capoeira
Coro Chorus
This is a song intoning the importance of the Eu jogo um jogo bonito I play a pretty game
berimbau gunga, or the bass berimbau, which
controls the game and sets the pace for the roda. I Com amor no coracao With love in my heart
like this song because it sets quite a hypnotic Com um sorriso no rosto With a smile on my face
rhythm. E um aperto de mao A squeeze of the hand
Capoeira Capoeira
Iê Capoeira Iê Capoeira
Le le le le le le Le le le le le le
O berimbau O Berimbau
Le le le le le le Le le le le le le
O atabaque O Atabaque
Le le le le le le Le le le le le le
O pandeiro é legal O The pandeiro is great
Meu professor My teacher
Que me ensinou Who taught me
A Capoeira meu amor Capoeira my love

25
Iaiaioio Iaiáioiô
Iaia ioio iaia ioio Iaia ioio iaia ioio
Quando o meu mestre se foi When my mestre left Quando meu mestre se foi When my master left
Toda a bahia chorou All Bahia cried Toda a bahia chorou All of Bahia cried
Iaia ioio Iaiá Ioiô Iaia ioio Iaia ioio
Iaia ioio iaia ioio Iaiá Ioiô Iaiá Ioiô Iaiá Ioiô Iaiá Ioiô Iaiá Ioiô Iaiá Ioiô
Oi menino com quem tu aprendeu Boy with whom did you learn
Oi menino com quem tu aprendeu Boy with whom did you learn
Aprendeu a jogar capoeira aprendeu Learned to play Capoeira, learned
Quem te ensinou já morreu
Quem te ensinou já morreu He who taught you already died
O seu nome esta gravado He who taught you already died
Na terra onde ele nasceu His name is engraved
Salve o mestre Bimba in the land where he was born
Salve a Ilha de Maré Hail mestre Bimba
Salve o mestre que me ensinou Hail Ilha de Maré
A mandinga de bater com o pé Hail the mestre who taught me
the magic of kicking with the foot
Iaia ioio Iaiá Ioiô
Iaia ioio iaia ioio Iaiá Ioiô Iaiá Ioiô
Mandingueiro Mandingueiro
Cheio de malevolência Full of malice
Era ligeiro o meu mestre My mestre was fast,
Que jogava conforme a cadência he played to the music
Do bater do berimbau of the berimbau rhythm
Salve o mestre Bimba Long live mestre Bimba
Criador da regional Creator of Regional
Salve o mestre bimba Long live mestre Bimba
Criador da regional Creator of Regional
Iaiá Ioiô Iaiá Ioiô
Iaiá Ioiô Iaiá Ioiô Iaiá Ioiô Iaiá Ioiô
Aprendeu meia- lua aprendeu He learned the Meia-Lua, learned
martelo e rabo- de- arraia Martelo and Rabo de Arraia
Jogava no pé da ladeira Played at the foot of the hill
Muitas vezes na beira da praia Many times by the seaside
Salve São Salvador Long live São Salvador
A Bahia de maré By the Sea of Bahia
Salve o mestre que me ensinou Hail the master who taught me
A mandinga de bater com o pé The magic of kicking with the foot
Iaia ioio Iaia ioio

26
Iê Parana Iê Parana Jogar Capoeira De Angola Playing Capoeira Angola

Iê parana Parana Iê Jogar capoeira de angola Playing capoeira Angola


Parana parana iê parana Parana parana Parana iê Não é brincadeira Is not a joke
iê parana iê parana Menino vem ver lelê Boy come to see lelê
É para boa maneira It is for a good way Com a cabeça no chão With his head on the ground
iê parana iê parana Vai saindo de aú He leaves with a cartwheel
Quero ouvir vocês cantar I want to hear you sing Completando rolê Finishing with rolê
iê parana iê parana Jogar capoeira de angola Playing capoeira Angola
Meia lua e rasteira Meia lua e rasteira Não é brincadeira Is not a joke
iê parana iê parana Menino vem ver lelê Boy come to see lelê
Na roda de capoeira In the capoeira roda Com a cabeça no chão With his head on the ground
iê parana iê parana Vai saindo de aú He leaves with a cartwheel
Parana parana iê parana Parana parana iê parana Completando role Finishing with rolê
iê parana iê parana
Meu para parana iê parana Stop me, Parana iê Parana Eu fui lá no cais da bahia I went to the port of Bahia
iê parana iê parana Jogar capoeira To play capoeira
Meu para é melhor que você parana My Para is better than your Parana* Lembrei de pastinha e seu Aberrê* I remembered pastinha and Aberrê
iê parana iê parana lelê lelê
E o coro vai ajudar parana And the choir will help parana Capoeira de angola Capoeira of Angola
iê parana iê parana Não é brincadeira Is not a joke
Terra boa de morar parana Good land to live on parana menino vem ver Boy come to see
iê parana iê parana
Terra que você planta dar parana Land where you established parana Jogar capoeira de angola Playing capoeira Angola
Não é brincadeira Is not a joke
Menino vem ver lelê Boy come to see lelê
*Para and Parana are cities, but Parana could also Paraná Com a cabeça no chão With his head on the ground
A southern state of Brasil, which borders Paraguay
refer to a man. In candomble there is also a
and whose river (also called the Paraná) was Vai saindo de aú He leaves with a cartwheel
caboclo called Parana
fought over in a war with Paraguay in the 1860s. Completando role Finishing with rolê
Many slaves (among them, capoeiristas) were sent
to fight in this war, with the promise of earning their
freedom. Porquinho sempre falou Porquinho always said
Solte o corpo menino Free your body boy
Deixe de falar Stop talking
Tem que ter sentimento You got to have feeling
Para capoeira de angola jogar In order to play Capoeira Angola

27
Jogar capoeira de angola Playing capoeira Angola
Não é brincadeira Is not a joke
Menino vem ver lelê Boy come to see lelê
Com a cabeça no chão With his head on the ground
Vai saindo de aú He leaves with a cartwheel
Completando role Finishing with rolê

Você diz que entra na roda You said enter the roda
Com ginga de corpo sabe balançar With swinging the body
Tem que ser mandingueiro You need to be smart
Para capoeira de angola jogar to play Capoeira Angola

*Mestre Aberrê was another famous mestre of


Pastinha’s time, who taught Mestre Canjiquinha

28
Jogo de Dentro Jogo De Fora Inside game, outside game lavadeira Laundry woman
Jogo de dentro, jogo de fora * Inside game, outside game Lava, lava, lavadeira wash, wash, laundrywoman
Joga bonito no jogo de Angola Play beautiful in the game of Angola A roupa do Capoeira capoeira clothes
Jogo de dentro, jogo de fora Inside game, outside game Lava, lava, lavadeira wash, wash, laundrywoman
Valha me Deus, minha Nossa Protect me my Lord, Our Lady A roupa do Capoeira capoeira clothes
Senhora Porque hoje é domingo Because today it is sunday
Jogo de dentro, jogo de fora Inside game, outside game Amanhã segunda feira Tomorrow Monday
Hoje a festa é no bonfim Today the party is in Bonfim
Amanhã é na ribeira Tomorrow it is in the Ribeira
This song is a reminder to play "inside" (towards Oi, vai ter roda de samba Oi, lets have samba de roda
the opponent) as well as "outside" (backing away).
Frequently a beginner will back away most of the E jogo de capoeira And a game of capoeira
time, but surprising things happen when one goes Moleque, tome cuidado Kid, take care
into an attack. Com o tombo da ladeira With the tombo da ladeira*
Sua roupa está limpa Your clothes are clean
Coitada da lavadeira Poor laundrywoman
Lava, lava, lavadeira wash, wash, laundrywoman
A roupa do capoeira capoeira clothes
Lava, lava, lavadeira wash, wash, laundrywoman
A roupa do capoeira capoeira clothes

*Tombo de ladeira literally means “fall down the


hill.” It is the name of a movement described in
Melo Moraes Filho’s 1901 description of capoeira in
Rio: “to touch, with one’s foot, the opponent while
he jumps in the air.”

29
La Vai Viola There goes the viola Leva morena me leva Take me morena*, take me
O lê lê la vai viola O lê lê there goes the viola Leva morena me leva Take me morena, take me
Tim, Tim, Tim, la vai viola Tim tim tim there goes the viola Me leva pro seu bangalo Take me to your bungalow
O viola meu bem viola O viola my good viola
Tim, Tim, Tim, la vai viola Tim tim tim there goes the viola Leva morena me leva Take me morena, take me
Jogo o bonito no jogo de angola Play beautiful in the game of Angola Me leva pro seu bangalo Take me to your bungalow
Tim, Tim, Tim, la vai viola Tim tim tim there goes the viola
Jogo de dentro e jogo de fora Play inside and play outside Leva morena me leva Take me brown girl, take me
Tim, Tim, Tim, la vai viola Tim tim tim there goes the viola Eu sou Capoeira já disse que sou I am Capoeira, I already told you so

Leva morena me leva Take me morena, take me


Me leva pro seu bangalo Take me to your bungalow

Leva morena me leva Take me brown girl, take me


O hoje faz frio, amanhã faz calor Today it's cold, tomorrow it will be hot

Leva morena me leva Take me morena, take me


Me leva pro seu bangalo Take me to your bungalow

Leva morena me leva Take me brown girl, take me


Me leva pro baixo do seu cobertor Take me under your blanket

Lá vem vindo There he comes Leva morena me leva Take me morena, take me
Me leva pro seu bangalo Take me to your bungalow
Lá vem vindo, lá vem só There he comes, there he comes
alone Leva morena me leva Take me brown girl take me
É Capoeirista, com a força maior He is a Capoeirista with great Hoje sou pobre, amanhã sou doutor Today I'm poor, tomorrow I will be a
strength doctor
Lá vem vindo, lá vem só There he comes, there he comes
alone Leva morena me leva Take me morena, take me
A força divina com a força maior A divine force with a great strength Me leva pro seu bangalo Take me to your bungalow
There he comes, there he comes *Dark-skinned woman or brunette
Lá vem vindo, lá vem só alone

30
Le La Lae Lae La Le La Lae Lae La
Le La Lae Lae La Le La Lae Lae La
La Lae Lae La La Lae Lae La
Le Le Le Le La La Le Le Le Le La La

Le La Lae Lae La Le La Lae Lae La


La Lae Lae La La Lae Lae La
Le Le Le Le La La Le Le Le Le La La

Berimbau chamou pro jogo Berimbau called to the game


Pandeiro me respondeu Pandeiro answered me
O Atabaque já entrou The Atabaque already started
Mestre Bimba apareceu Master Bimba appeared
La Lae Lae La La Lae Lae La

Coro Chorus

Manoel dos Reis Machado Manoel dos Reis Machado


Criador da Regional Creator of Regional
Espalhando pelo mundo Spreading around the world
Essa cultura national This national culture
La Lae Lae La La Lae Lae La

Coro Chorus

Lá no cais se batizou There in the wharf it was baptized


A Capoeira Regional Regional Capoeira
Espalhando pelo mundo Spreading around the world
Essa arte marcial This martial art
La Lae Lae La La Lae Lae La

Coro Chorus

31
Luanda é meu boi Luanda is my ox Maculelê Maracatú Maculelê Maracatú*
Luanda é meu boi, Luanda is my ox Quando meu filho nascer When my son is born
Luanda é para Luanda is for Vou perguntar pra parteira I’ll ask the midwife
Tereza canta sentado Teresa sings while sitting O que é que meu filho vai ser what my son is going to be
Oi Marina samba de pè Marina dances samba standing up Meu filho vai ser capoeira My son is going to be capoeira
La no cais da Bahia There at the banks of Bahia Capoeira capú Capoeira capú
Na roda de Capoeira In the roda of Capoeira
Não tem lêlê não tem nada There is no lêlê there is nothing Maculelé, maracatu Maculelé, maracatu
Oi, não tem lêlê nem lala There is no lêlê and no lala
Não é karaté nem também kung-fu It is not kung-fu, nor karaté
Oi laê laê la Oi laê laê la
Oi lêlê Oi lêlê Maculelé, maracatu Maculelé, maracatu
Oi lae lae la Oi lae lae la
Oi lêlê Oi lêlê Fui na bahia comer carurú+ I was in Bahia to eat carurú
Oi la laê la laê la laê o laê la Oi la laê la laê la laê o laê la Maculelé, maracatu Maculelé, maracatu
Oi la laê la laê la laê o laê la Oi la laê la laê la laê o laê la
Oi la laê la laê la laê o laê la Oi la laê la laê la laê o laê la
Vim comer caru e não como angu I came to eat caruru and I don’t eat
Oi la laê la laê la laê o laê la Oi la laê la laê la laê o laê la
angu#
Oi laê Oi laê
Maculelé, maracatu Maculelé, maracatu
la laê la la laê la
Oi lêlê Oi lêlê #Angu is a northeastern Brazilian dish that harks
la laê la la laê la back to the days of slavery. Prints by the French
Oi laê Oi laê *Maracatú is a Brazilian dance of African origin. In explorer and travel writer, Jean Baptiste Debret,
Pernambuco (Recife) it means a group of street show Brazilian women cooking large pots of angu
la laê la la laê la dancing merrymakers at Carnival time. over wood fires. Similar to the coocoos of the West
Oi lêlê Oi lêlê Indies and the cornmeal mush of the southern
United States, this corn angu is prepared simply
la laê la la laê la +Vegetable and shrimp patty from cornmeal and water, with the addition of a bit
especially common in Bahia. of butter or animal fat.

32
Marinheiro só Lonely Sailor
Eu não sou daqui I am not from here
Marinheiro só Lonely sailor
Eu não tenho amor I don't have a lover
Marinheiro só Lonely sailor
Eu sou da Bahia I am from Bahia
Marinheiro só Lonely sailor
De São Salvador I am from São Salvador
Marinheiro só Lonely sailor
Marinheiro, marinheiro, Sailor, sailor
Marinheiro só Marinheiro só
Quem te ensinou a nadar Who taught you how to swim?
Marinheiro só Lonely sailor
Foi o tombo do navio Was it the sinking of the ship?
Marinheiro só Lonely sailor
Ou foi o balanço do mar Or was it the rolling of the sea
Marinheiro só Lonely sailor
La vem, la vem, There he goes, there he goes
Marinheiro só Lonely sailor
Como ele vem façeiro How he goes at such ease
Marinheiro só Lonely sailor
Como todo de branco All in white
Marinheiro só Lonely sailor
Com seu bonezinho With his little hat
Marinheiro só Lonely sailor

33
Meu Berimbau , Instrumento My berimbau, Brilliant Moleque E Tu You are a scoundrel
Genial Instrument
(oi) é tu que é moleque* Oi, It is you who is a scoundrel
Moleque é tu You are a scoundrel
Meu berimbau My berimbau É tu que é moleque It is you who is a scoundrel
Instrumento genial brilliant Instrument Moleque é tu You are a scoundrel
Meu berimbau My berimbau Cala boca, moleque Shut your mouth, scoundrel
Você é fenomenal! You are phenomenal! Moleque é tu You are a scoundrel
Meu berimbau My berimbau Oi que eu te bato, moleque I beat you, scoundrel
Instrumento genial brilliant Instrument Moleque é tu You are a scoundrel
Meu berimbau My berimbau Eu te pego, moleque I catch you, scoundrel
Você é fenomenal! You are phenomenal! Moleque é tu You are a scoundrel
Te castigo, moleque I punish you, scoundrel
Moleque é tu You are a scoundrel
Conforme a razão Like you should be
Moleque é tu You are a scoundrel
Oi aqui tá o moleque Oh here is the scoundrel
Moleque é tu You are a scoundrel
Quem me chamou de moleque Who calls me a scoundrel?
Moleque é tu You are a scoundrel
Eu te derrubo, moleque I knock you down, scoundrel
Moleque é tu You are a scoundrel
Eu te jogo no chão I throw you in the dirt
Moleque é tu You are a scoundrel
É você que é moleque It is you who is a scoundrel
Moleque é tu You are a scoundrel

A playfully confrontational song accusing a player • moleque (moh-LEH-keh)


of being a moleque ("street urchin") deserving of Translates as "street urchin"; homeless street
punishment. orphan. Hundreds of these children still roam the
streets of today's favelas (slums) throughout Brazil.
Here, the term is used more lovingly.

34
Nhem Nhem Nhem Nhem Nhem Nhem Ó Ligeiro Oh quick
O menino chorou Hey the baby is crying Oi ligeiro*,ligeiro Oh quick, oh quick
Nhem nhem nhem Nhem nhem nhem Paranà Paranà
Porque não mamou Because he wasn't breastfed Pintor é ligeiro Pintor is quick
Nhem nhem nhem Nhem nhem nhem Paranà Paranà
Sua mãe tá na feira His mother is at the market E Caçapa é ligeiro And Caçapa is quick
Nhem nhem nhem Nhem nhem nhem Paranà Paranà
Cala boca menino Be quiet baby Eu também sou ligeiro I am also quick
Nhem nhem nhem Nhem nhem nhem Paranà Paranà
O menino é danado Oh mischievous baby Capoeira é ligeiro Capoeira is quick
Nhem nhem nhem Nhem nhem nhem Paranà Paranà
O menino é malvado Oh bad baby Batuqueiro é ligeiro A batuqueiro is quick
Nhem nhem nhem Nhem nhem nhem Paranà Paranà
O menino chorou The boy cried
Nhem nhem nhem Nhem nhem nhem *Has a double meaning – quick and deceptive – a
Chorou chorou Cried cried good skill in Capoeira!
Nhem nhem nhem Nhem nhem nhem

This song may be sung when a player is being


particularly "bratty."

Oi Nega que vende aí Oi Woman who sells there


In Mercado modelo Oi nega que vende aí Oi woman who sells there
No Mercado modelo que vende aí, o que vende aí who sells there, who sells there
In Mercado modelo oi nega que vende aí Oi woman selling there
No Mercado modelo vende arroz e camarão
They have acarajé* selling rice and shrimp
Tem acarajé oi nega que vende aí
In Mercado modelo Oi woman selling there
No Mercado modelo vende arroz do maranhão
They have acarajé sell rice from Maranhão*
Tem acarajé oi nega que vende aí Oi woman selling there
*black-eyed pea fritters served on streets of Bahia
and filled with shrimp paste. +A black woman
*North-East state of Brazil
35
Ô â ô â ei Oh ah oh ah eh Oi Sim Sim Sim Oh Yes, Yes, Yes
Oh sim, sim, sim Oh yes, yes, yes
Ô â ô â ei Oh, ah, oh ah eh Oh não, não, não Oh no, no, no
Eu vou bater I will hit
quero ver cair I want to see the fall Mais hoje tem amanhã não What you have today is gone
Ô â ô â ei Oh, ah, oh ah eh tomorrow
Eu vou bater I will hit Mais hoje tem amanhã não What you have today is gone
quero ver cair I want to see the fall tomorrow
Ô â ô â ei Oh, ah, oh ah eh coro chorus
Topei I punched Mais hoje tem amanhã não What you have today is gone
quero ver cair I want to see the fall tomorrow
Ô â ô â ei Oh, ah, oh ah eh Olha pisada de Lampião Look at the footsteps of Lampião*
Quero ver I want to see, coro chorus
quero ver cair I want to see the fall Mais hoje tem amanhã não What you have today is gone
Ô â ô â ei Oh, ah, oh ah eh tomorrow
Eu aprendí I learned Mais hoje tem amanhã não What you have today is gone
com Pastinha with Pastinha tomorrow
Ô â ô â ei Oh, ah, oh ah eh coro chorus
A jogar de capoeira To play capoeira Olha pisada de Lampião Look at the footsteps of Lampião
Ô â ô â ei Oh, ah, oh ah eh Olha pisada de Lampião Look at the footsteps of Lampião
Puxa puxa, leva leva Pull it pull it, coro chorus
take it take it Oh não, não, não Oh no, no, no
Ô â ô â ei Oh, ah, oh ah eh Oh sim, sim, sim Oh yes, yes, yes
Eu vou bater I will hit coro chorus
quero ver cair I want to see the fall
Ô â ô â ei Oh, ah, oh ah eh

This song suggests a certain fighting spirit in the *Famous turn-of-century bandit who really existed
roda, expressed in the joy of seeing the opponent but after his death took on mythical qualities similar
fall. to Robin Hood, however in reality he was a
rutheless heartless bandit.

36
Olha O Nego sinhà Look at the negro, lady Olha Pomba voôu The dove flew
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady Olha Pomba voôu, pomba voôu. The dove flew away, the dove flew
Olha là o negro Look at that negro away
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady A Pomba voôu, gavião* pegou the dove flew away, the hawk
Mas que negro danado such an angry negro grabbed it
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady
Esse nego è valente such a brave negro Pomba voôu, pomba voôu The dove flew, the dove flew
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady
Oi me pega esse nego Oh I will get this negro Pomba voôu, gavião* pegou the dove flew, the hawk grabbed it
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady
E derruba no chão and throw him on the ground *gavião - hawk
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady
This song may be sung at a crucial time during the
Esse nego è valente This negro is brave roda. Perhaps a player has frustrated an opponent
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady so much that it's time to escape from the roda. Or,
Esse nego è um cão This negro is a dog perhaps the game escalates to a level of "fighting"
where the dove (perhaps signifying peace) has
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady flown away.
Mas Castiga esso nego Punish this negro
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady
Mas conforme a razão But do it right
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady
Ele é Capoeira He is a capoeira
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady
Ele é da Bahia He is from Bahia
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady
Olha là o nego Look there the negro
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady
Olha là o nego Look there the negro
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady
Mas Castiga esso nego Punish this negro
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady
Mas conforme a razão But do it right
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady
Esse nego è ligeiro This negro is quick
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady
Esse nego è Limão This negro is Limão
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady
Esse nego è safado This negro is shameless
Olha o negro sinhà Look at the negro, lady
Esse nego è um cão This negro is a dog

37
O Me Da Meu Dinheiro Give me my money, Zum, Zum, Zum Buzz, Buzz, Buzz
O me da meu dinheiro, Give me my money, Zum, zum, zum (x2) Buzz, Buzz, Buzz
me da meu dinheiro valentão give me my money tough guy Capoeira mata um Capoeira kills one
me da meu dinheiro, valentão, give me my money tough guy Zum, zum, zum Buzz, Buzz, Buzz
O no meu dinheiro, On my money Capoeira mata um Capoeira kills one
ninguem põe a mão Nobody puts a hand
O me da meu dinheiro, Give me my money
me da meu dinheiro valentão give me my money tough guy Onde tem marimbondo (x4) Where is the wasp?
Eh me da meu dinheiro, give me my money, é zum, zum, zum. It goes buzz, buzz, buzz
Que no meu dinheiro ninguem põe a Because in my money nobody puts a
mão hand Oh a o a e (x4) Oh a o a e
O me da meu dinheiro, Give me my money, Quero ver bater, quero ver cair I want to see hitting, I want to see
me da meu dinheiro valentão give me my money tough guy falling
Que eu dou uma rasteira Because I give a rasteira
Te ponho no chão I put you on the ground Zum, zum, zum (x2) Buzz, Buzz, Buzz
O me da meu dinheiro, Give me my money Capoeira mata um Capoeira kills one
me da meu dinheiro valentão Give me my money, tough guy Zum, zum, zum Buzz, Buzz, Buzz
Capoeira mata um Capoeira kills one

Onde tem marimbondo (x4) Where is the wasp?


é zum, zum, zum. It goes buzz, buzz, buzz

Oh a o a e (x4) Oh a o a e
Quero ver bater, quero ver cair I want to see fighting, I want to see
falling

Onça Morreu The Jaguar Died


a onça morreu, o mato é meu! The Jaguar Died, the forest is mine
O mato é meu, o mato é meu The forest is mine, The forest is mine
a onça morreu, o mato é meu! The Jaguar Died, the forest is mine
O mato é meu, o mato é meu The forest is mine, The forest is
mine
38
Onde Vai Caiman Where is Caiman going? O Capoeira e o Pescador Capoeira and the Fisherman
Onde vai caiman Where is Caiman going? Mare me leva e, mare me traz The sea takes me, The sea brings
Caiman vai Caiman Caiman is going, Caiman me back
Onde vai caiman Where is Caiman going? Mare me leva e, mare me traz The sea takes me, The sea brings
Vai para ilha de mare Go to Maré Island me back
Onde vai caiman Where is Caiman going?
A vida do Capoeira The life of the Capoeirista
Ė como a do pedcador Is like that of the fisherman
A onda balança o barco The wave rocks the boat
E a ginga o jogador And the ginga rocks the capoeira
player

Coro Chorus

A noite oloh as estrelas The night is full of stars


Para me orientar to guide me
Bom Jesus dos navegantes It is Good Jesus of the navigators
Ė quem me guia pelo mar who guides me on the sea

Coro

O vento soprou nas velas The wind blows the candles


Carregando a minha nau Loading my vessel
Na roda da Capoeira In the Capoeira roda
Quem me guia é o berimbau The berimbau guides me
O que é berimbau? What is a berimbau?
Coro Coro
O que é berimbau? What is a berimbau?
A cabaça, arame e um pedaço de A gourd, string and a piece of Âs vezes a pesca é boa At times fishing is good
pau wood Âs vezes o jogo é bom At times the game is good
O que é berimbau? What is a berimbau? Mas quando nada dá certo But when nothing is right
A cabaça, arame e um pedaço de A gourd, string and a piece of Eu volto a tentar entao I come back to try
pau wood

39
Na rede vem a traira In the net comes a traira+
Um peixa que morder a māo A fish that bites the hand
Na roda brilha a navalha* In the roda shines the razor
E o cinco Salomāo and cinco Salomon#

+a kind of fish that looks pre-historic given its dark


*A navalha is a cut throat razor.Many capoeirstas color and mouth full of sharp, canine-type teeth. It is
used to carry them and use them in fights and in quite a ferocious fish and care should be taken
rodas. These days they are still used by many when pulling it in as it is very strong. They have
barbers in Brazil. wide mouths and very sharp teeth.

# This is a pentagram (as well as a toque –capoeira


rhythm - used to ward off strangers in the roda.
Picutres of Mestre Bimba`s academy show a
cinco Salomon on the wall.

Parabéns pra você Congratulations to you

Parabéns pra você Congratulations to you


Neste data querida on this beloved date
Muitas felicidades May you have much happiness
Muitos anos de vida And many years of life
Parabéns pra você Congratulations to you
Neste data querida on this beloved date
Muitas felicidades May you have much happiness
Muitos anos de vida And many years of life

This is the Brazilian Happy Birthday song. Sung to


the same tune as the English version.

40
Para Roda Capoeira Stop the roda Paraná é Paraná é
Para roda Capoeira, para vai ter que Stop the roda, because it has to stop Vou dizer minha mulher, Paranà I'm going to tell my woman, Paranà
parar Capoeira me venceu, Paranà (that) Capoeira conquered me
Eu não para roda Capoeira I won't stop the roda of Capoeira Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà
que cavalaria acabou de chegar because the police has just arrived Ela quis bater pè firme, Paranà She wanted to stomp her foot hard,
Para roda Capoeira, para vai ter Stop the roda, because it has to Paranà
que parar stop Isso não aconteceu, Paranà This did not happen, Paranà
Eu não para roda Capoeira I won't stop the roda of Capoeira Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà
Os homens tão armado, ele vai te they are armed, he will kill you Oh Paranàuê, Paranà Oh Paranàuê, Paranà
matar Paranàuê, Paranà Paranàuê, Paranà
Para roda Capoeira, para vai ter Stop the roda, because it has to Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà
que parar stop Assim dera que o morro, Paranà I would end up in the slum, Paraná
Eu não para dejeito nenhum I will never stop Se mudou para a cidade, Paranà If moved to the city, Paranà
sou filho de Ogum e de pai Oxalá I'm a son of Ogum my father is Oxalá Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà
É batuque todo dia, Paranà There’s drumming all day, Paraná
Para roda Capoeira, para vai ter Stop the roda, because it has to Mulata de qualidade, Paranà And good women, Paraná
que parar stop Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà
Eu não para sou cabra ligeiro I won't stop, I'm a fast guy Vou mimbora pra Bahia, Paranà I will leave for Bahia, Paranà
nasci mandingeiro, dou salto mortal a born mandingeiro, giving a backflip Eu aqui não fico não, Paranà I will not stay here, Paranà
Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà
Para roda Capoeira, para vai ter Stop the roda, because it has to Se não for essa semana, Paranà If not this week, Paranà
que parar stop É a semana que vem, Paranà It will be next week, Paranà
Eu não para repito de novo I won't stop, I will do it again Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà
esse jogo de povo é vai continuar this game of the people will continue Dou nó e escondo a ponta, Paranà I tie a knot and hide the end
Ninguem sabe desatar, Paranà Nobody knows how to untie it
Para roda Capoeira, para vai ter Stop the roda, because it has to Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà
que parar stop Eu sou braço de marè, Paranà I am an arm of the sea, Paranà
Mas eu sou marè sem fim, Paranà But I am the sea without end, Paranà
Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà Paranà ê, Paranà ê, Paranà

41
Pela Capoeira Eu Poder Jogar Through Capoeira I can play
Ao meu mestre muito obrigado To my master thank you very much
Pela Capoeira eu poder jogar Through Capoeira I can play
Pelo au, pelo "s" dobrado with au and with "s" dobrado
Pela Capoeira eu poder jogar Through Capoeira I can play
Ao meu Deus muito obrigado To my God thank you very much
Pela Capoeira eu poder jogar Through Capoeira I can play
Pelo au, pelo "s" dobrado through au and through "s" dobrado
Pela Capoeira eu poder jogar Through Capoeira I can play
Aos meus amigos muito obrigado To my friends thank you very much
Pela Capoeira eu poder jogar Through Capoeira I can play
Pelo au, pelo "s" dobrado through au and through "s" dobrado
Pela Capoeira eu poder jogar Through Capoeira I can play
Mestre Bimba muito obrigado Thank you very much to Mestre
Bimba
Pela Capoeira eu poder jogar Through Capoeira I can play
Pelo au, pelo "s" dobrado with au and with "s" dobrado
Pela Capoeira eu poder jogar Through Capoeira I can play

42
Pisa Caboclo Step Caboclo* Pisa No Massapé Escorrega Walk on Massapé* and Slip
Pisa caboclo quero ver você pisar Step caboclo, I want to see you step
Step there while I step here Quem não sabe andar He who doesn’t know how to walk
Pisa lá que eu piso cá I want to see you step Pisa no massapé escorrega Walks on massapé and slips
Quero ver você pisar Pisa no massapé escorrega Walks on massapé and slips
Step caboclo, I want to see you Pisa no massapé escorrega Walks on massapé and slips
Pisa caboclo quero ver você pisar step Quem não sabe andar He who doesn’t know how to walk
Pisa no massapé escorrega Walks on massapé and slips
To the beat of my gunga
Na batido do meu gunga I want to see you step *Very hard, wet clay
Quero ver você pisar
Step caboclo, I want to see you
Pisa caboclo quero ver você pisar step

Step there while I step here


Pisa lá que eu piso cá I want to see you step
Quero ver você pisar
Step caboclo, I want to see you
Pisa caboclo quero ver você pisar step

To the beat of my gunga


Na batido do meu gunga I want to see you jump
Quero ver você pisar
Step caboclo, I want to see you
Pisa caboclo quero ver você pisar step

*Describes a Brazilian of mixed race, usually Also of note, the Samba de Caboclo is is performed
indigenous and African. in terreiros (meeting places) of the candomblé
religion. Caboclo is a name for a half blood /
crossbreed

43
Por Favor Não Maltrate Esse Please don’t mistreat this negro Pra Lavar Minha Roupa Não I have no soap to wash my
Nego Tem Sabão clothes
Por favor não maltrate esse nego Please don’t mistreat this negro Pra lavar minha roupa não tem I have no soap to wash my clothes
Esse nego foi quem me ensinou This negro taught me sabão,
Esse nego da calça rasgada, camisa This negro with torn pants and shirt O não tem sabão, colega não I don’t have any soap, my friend
furada with holes Pra lavar minha roupa não tem I have no soap to wash my clothes
Ele é meu professor He is my teacher sabão,
Por favor não maltrate esse nego Please don’t mistreat this negro O não tem sabão, colega não I don’t have any soap, my friend
Esse nego foi quem me ensinou This guy taught me Pra lavar minha roupa não tem I have no soap to wash my clothes
Esse nego da calça rasgada, This guy with torn pants sabão,
camisa furada and shirt with holes O não tem sabão, dinheiro não I have no soap nor money
Ele é meu professor He is my teacher Pra lavar minha roupa não tem I have no soap to wash my clothes
sabão,
O não tem sabão, colega não I don’t have any soap, my friend
Pra lavar minha roupa não tem I have no soap to wash my clothes
sabão,
O não tem sabão, dinheiro não I have no soap nor money
Pra lavar minha roupa não tem I have no soap to wash my clothes
sabão,
O não tem sabão, colega não I don’t have any soap, my friend
Pra lavar minha roupa não tem I have no soap to wash my clothes
sabão,
O não tem sabão, dinheiro não I have no soap nor money

44
Preta Calunga It’s black, Calunga Princesa Isabel, Princesa Princess Isabel*, Princess
Isabel Isabel
É Preta, é preta, é preta calunga* It’s black, it’s black, it’s black,
calunga Onde está a liberdade, Where is the freedom
Capoeira é preta calunga Capoeira is black, calunga Se a algema não se quebrou, If the cuff is not broken?
É Preta, é preta, é preta calunga It’s black, it’s black, it’s black, O negro quer felicidade, The black man wants happiness,
calunga O negro também quer ser doutor The black man also wants to be
Berimbau é preta calunga The berimbau is black, calunga doctor
É Preta, é preta, é preta calunga It’s black, it’s black, it’s black,
calunga Princesa Isabel, Princesa Isabel, Princess Isabel, Princess Isabel,
Capoeira é preta calunga Capoeira is black, calunga Liberdade do negro só tá no papel. Freedom of the black is only on
paper.
Princesa Isabel, Princesa Isabel, Princess Isabel, Princess Isabel,
During the Afro-Brazilian festival dance of Maracatu, +Preta: Slang term used to refer to a black female
a calunga, a doll representing tribal deities, is – but as a compliment.
Liberdade do negro só tá no papel. Freedom of the black is only on
often paraded. It is kept throughout the year in a paper.
special place and is only carried by women. This
song reminds people of Capoeira’s origin.
Princesa Isabel, Princesa Isabel, Isabel Princess, Isabel Princess,
Onde está a liberdade, Where is the freedom,
Mas onde está a liberdade, Where is the freedom
Se a algema não se quebrou, If the cuff is not broken?
O negro quer felicidade, The Black man wants happiness,
O negro também quer ser doutor The black man also wants to be a
doctor

Princesa Isabel, Princesa Isabel, Princess Isabel, Princess Isabel,


Liberdade do negro só tá no papel. Freedom of the black is only on
paper.

Princesa Isabel, Princesa Isabel, Princess Isabel, Princess Isabel,


Liberdade do negro só tá no papel. Freedom of the black is only on
paper.

*About Princess Isabel. Princesa Isabel was the


princess that signed the Golden Law which
abolished slavery in 1888. In Brazil it is taught that
Princesa Isabel abolished slavery but many people
consider that a lie. That`s what this song is about.
Also see Guerreiro do Quilombo (mestre Barrão)
and Dona Isabel (mestre Toni Vargas) on
www.capoeira4all.com.

45
Quebra Gereba Break It Gereba* Quem Jogo He who plays

Oia quebra, Gereba Quem jogo jogo He that plays, play


Hey, break it Gereba
Quebra Quem nao jogo, nao jogo mais He that doesn’t play, don’t play
Break It
Oia quebra, oia quebra anymore
Hey break it, hey break it
Quebra Quem jogo jogo He that plays, play
Break It
Eu quero ver quebrar Quem nao jogo, nao jogo mais He that doesn’t play, won’t play
I want to see it break
Quebra anymore
Break It
Oia quebra daí Hey it breaks from there This song is sung towards the end of a roda – to
Quebra Break It remind people who haven’t played that this will be
Oia quebra de lá Hey it breaks over there their last chance
Quebra Break It
Vou quebrar tudo hoje I will break everything today
Quebra Break It
Amanhã quem que quebra Tomorrow who will break
Quebra Break It
Oia quebra Gereba Hey, break it Gereba
Quebra Break It
• Gereba (jeh-DEH-bah)
This is the last name of a popular person whose
name children would call. It can also refer to
"melon," and slang for the male sex organ.

46
Quem E Voce Who are you? Quem Vem Lá Sou Eu Who goes there? It’s me
Quem é você, quem vem de la, Who are you, that goes there? Quem vem lá sou eu, quem vem lá who goes there? it's me
Quem é você, quem vem de la Who are you, that goes there? sou eu who goes there? it's me
Sou da Bahia, vim me apresentar I am from Bahia, I came to introduce
myself Berimbau bateu, capoeira sou eu The berimbau played, i am Capoeira
Sou da Bahia, vim me apresentar I am from Bahia, I came to
introduce myself Quem vem lá sou eu, Qem vem lá who goes there? it's me
sou eu who goes there? it's me
A mueda, um arame, a cabaça e um A stone, a string, a gourd and a piece Berimbau bateu, capoeira sou eu The berimbau played, i am
pedaço de pau of wood Capoeira

Meu berimbau só faz assim My berimbau goes like this Eu venho de longe, venho da Bahia i come from far away, I come from
Meu berimbau só faz assim My berimbau goes like this Bahia
Meu berimbau só toca assim My berimbau plays like this Jogo capoeira, Capoeira sou eu I play Capoeira, I am Capoeira
Meu berimbau só faz assim My berimbau goes like this Quem vem lá sou eu, Qem vem lá who goes there? it's me
Tim tim tim dong dong, tim tim tim Tim tim tim dong dong, tim tim tim sou eu who goes there? it's me
dong dong dong dong Berimbau bateu, capoeira sou eu The berimbau played, I am
Meu berimbau só faz assim My berimbau goes like this capoeira
Tim tim dong, tim tim tim dong dong Tim tim dong, tim tim tim dong dong Sou eu, sou eu It's me, it's me
Meu berimbau só faz assim My berimbau goes like this Quem vem lá who goes there?
Eu sou brevenuto I am brave
Quem vem lá who goes there?
Montado a cavalo riding a horse
Quem vem lá who goes there?
E fumando um charuto smoking a cigar
Quem vem lá who goes there?

47
Roda maravilhosa Wonderful Roda
Bem-te-vi* vôou, vôou Bem-te-vi flew, flew
Bem-te-vi vôou, vôou Bem-te-vi flew, flew
Deixa voar Let it fly
Lá lauê lauê lauê lauê Lá lauê lauê lauê lauê
Lá lauê lauê lauê lauê Lá lauê lauê lauê lauê
Que som o que arte é essa What a sound, what art is this
de luta e brincadeira of fighting and playing
Que roda maravilhosa é essa What a beautiful roda is this
é o Bantus Capoeira it's Bantus Capoeira
Em cada som, em cada toque In every sound, in every beat
em cada ginga, tem um estilo de jogo in every ginga, there is a style of
playing
Em cada som, em cada toque In every sound, in every beat
em cada ginga, tem um estilo de in every ginga, there is a style of
jogo playing
Lauê lauê lá... Lauê lauê lá...
Lá lauê lauê lauê lauê Lá lauê lauê lauê lauê

*This is the name of a Bird found in Northern Brazil. Why this bird is referred to at the start of the song is
Literally it means “good to see” as it is quite a pretty not clear – my guess is simply that it conjurs up a
bird. Apparently, In the heat of the day it will draw nice image and Capoeira is similar in that a
your attention by calling its name constantly, “KIS- Capoeirista can play beautifully but simultaenously
KAA-KEE” (hence the name in English The Great defend himself .
Kiskaakee” sitting on a telephone wire or on a roof.
Most other birds will keep silent around that time.
They make their nest, also on a conspicious place,
from all kinds of plant-material, often with hay. The
kiskadee defends its nest vigorously and even if it
has no nest it wil be aggressive against other birds.
It is quite a common sight to see a kiskadee
chasing a much bigger bird of prey above the
houses. But then a hummingbird might chase away
a kiskadee.

48
Sai Sai Catarina Sai Sai Catarina Santa Maria mãe de Deus Saint Mary Mother Of God
Sai sai Catarina Leave, leave, Catarina Santa Maria Saint Mary
Saia do mar venha ver Idalina Leave the sea and come see Idalina mãe de Deus Mother of God
Sai sai Catarina Leave, leave, Catarina eu fui na igreja I went to the church
Saia do mar venha ver venha ver Leave the sea and come see, come e me confessei to confess my sins
see Santa Maria Saint Mary
Sai sai Catarina Leave, leave Catarina Mãe De Deus Mother Of God
Oh Catarina, meu amor Oh Catarina, my love Hoje é dia de festa, Today is a holiday,
Sai sai Catarina Leave, leave Catarina dia de Oxalá # day of Oxalá
Saia do mar, saia do mar Leave the sea, leave from the sea Santa Maria Saint Mary
Sai sai Catarina Leave, leave Catarina Mãe De Deus Mother Of God
Vou rezar I'm going to pray
p'ro meu santo to my saint
me abençoá to bless me
Santa Maria Saint Mary
Mãe De Deus Mother Of God
Quem não pode Who can not handle
com mandinga mandinga
não carrega patuá* does not carry a patuá
Santa Maria Saint Mary
Mãe De Deus Mother Of God
Eu fui na igreja I went to the church
não me confessei but I did not confess
Santa Maria Saint Mary
Mãe De Deus Mother Of God
Salomê, Salomê Salomê, Salomê
A seemingly Catholic song about Mary, Mother of #Oxalá (oh-shah-LAH)
God, that nevertheless shows its African influences a male god in the candomblé religion, associated
Capoeira é pra homen tambem pra Capoeira is for men and also for in the celebration of the day of Oxalá (see vocab at with procreation and harvest, often identified with
women right). Jesus
mulher
Salomê, Salomê Salomê, Salomê *"Quem não pode com mandinga, não carrega
Capoeira é do povo não é de Capoeira belongs to the people and patuá" means: "those who cannot handle magic,
ninguem does not belong to anyone do not carry a magical charm." Mestre Acordeon
reminds us of the old saying: "if you can't stand the
Salomê, Salomê Salomê, Salomê heat, get out of the kitchen."

+ patuá (pah-too-AH)
A small bag full of magical power, carried around
the neck to protect against evil eyes and bad
influences

49
Senhor Sao Bento Mr Saint Benedict Sou Capoeira E Pego Na Viola I am Capoeira and I take the
viola
Valha me Deus senhor Sao Bento Protect me, Saint Benedict
Vou cantar meu barravento* I will sing my barravento Sou Capoeira e pego na viola I am Capoeira and I take the viola
Valha me Deus senhor Sao Bento Protect me, Saint Benedict Sou Capoeira e pego na viola I am Capoeira and I take the viola
Buraco velho tem cobra Dentro Old holes have snakes inside Se essa roda ficar boa não vai If this roda goes well, I won't stop it
Valha me Deus senhor Sao Bento Protect me Saint Benedict terminar agora now
Se essa roda ficar boa não vai If this roda goes well, I won't stop
Saint Benedict founded the Benedictine order in the • barravento (bah-hhah-VENT-(oo))
6th century. According to Lewis (1992: 179) "he is Originally a nautical term referring to wind, it also
terminar agora it now
sometimes syncretized with Omolu in the Yoruba relates to bodily equilibrium and a particular Não vai terminar agora I won't stop it now
pantheon, a god of health and nutrition (Henfrey liturgical music of candomblé. It is also associated Não vai terminar agora I won't stop it now
1981: 58–60)." In capoeira, he is often associated with the trance that occurs when this music is
with snakes, just as St. Patrick is in Ireland. This played. Não vai terminar agora I won't stop it now
song is an incantation to St. Benedict as a Não vai terminar agora I won't stop it now
protection against snake bites. Valha me Deus – this expression comes from the
North of Brazil and can mean protect/be with me/
The line "an old hole has a snake inside" is also a bless or “God – free me”.
Toquei berimbau e cantei prá iaiá I played the berimbau and sang to
warning not to underestimate an old capoeira the slave master’s daughter
player, equivalent to saying "an old player may still
have tricks up the sleeve."
Toquei berimbau e cantei prá iaiá I played the berimbau and sang to
the slave master’s daughter
Na roda de Capoeira, quero In the circle of Capoeira, I want to
ver gunga falar see the gunga speak
Na roda de Capoeira, quero ver In the circle of Capoeira, I want to
gunga falar see the gunga speak

Quero ver gunga falar I want to see the gunga speak


Quero ver gunga falar I want to see the gunga speak
Quero ver gunga falar I want to see the gunga speak
Quero ver gunga falar I want to see the gunga speak

Often sung towards the end of a roda, if the energy


has gone down.

Sim sinha, Sim Sinho, Yes Mrs, Yes Mr


Sim sinha, Sim Sinho, Yes Mrs, Yes Mr
Salve a Bahia de São Salvador. Long live Bahia, São Salvador.
Sim sinha, Sim Sinho, Yes Mrs, Yes Mr,
E Mestre Bimba de São Salvador Long live Mestre Bimba of São
Salvador
Sim sinha, Sim Sinho, Yes Mrs, Yes Mr

50
Solta A Mandinga Unleash the Mandinga Tabareu Que Vem Do Sertao Tabareu That Comes From The
Hinterland*
Solta a mandinga ê* Unleash the mandinga
Solta a mandinga Unleash the mandinga Tabaréu que vem do sertão Tabaréu who comes from the
Solta a mandinga ê, Capoeira Unleash the mandinga, Capoeira hinterland
Solta a mandinga Unleash the mandinga Vendo quiabo, maxixe e limão Selling okra, gherkins and limes
(Eu falei) (I said) Tabaréu que vem do sertão Tabaréu who comes from the
Solta a mandinga ê Unleash the mandinga hinterland
Solta a mandinga Unleash the mandinga Ele vende quiabo, maxixe e limão He sells okra, gherkins and limes
Solta a mandinga ê, Capoeira Unleash the mandinga, Capoeira Tabaréu que vem do sertão Tabaréu who comes from the
Solta a mandinga Unleash the mandinga hinterland
*Tabareu is a man’s name.
• mandinga (mahn-d(j)EEN-gah)
A magical knowledge of rituals, tricks, and cunning.

Sou Angoleiro I am Angoleiro Tava Lá Em Casa I was there in the house


Sou angoleiro e venho de Angola, I am an angoleiro and I come from
Jogo com Deus e com Nossa Angola
Tava lá em casa ó ia ia sem pensar I was there in the house without
Senhora. I play with God and our lady
nem imaginar thinking or imagining
Sou angoleiro e venho de Angola, I am an angoleiro and I come from
Tava lá em casa ó ia ia sem pensar I was there in the house without
Angola
nem imaginar thinking or imagining
Venho de angola, de Angola, de I came from Angola, Angola, Angola
Quando ouvi bater na porta When I heard a knock on the door
Angola. Quando ouvi bater na porta ó ia ia When I heard a knock on the door
Sou angoleiro e venho de Angola, I am an angoleiro and I come from
Salomão mandou chamar Salomão ordered to call
Angola
Era hora de lutar It was time to fight
Toco um atabaque, um berimbau e I play an atabaque, a berimbau and a
Para ajudar a vencer To help the victory
uma viola. viola
Para ajudar a vencer ó ia ia To help the victory
Sou angoleiro e venho de Angola, I am an angoleiro and I come from
A batalha liderar To lead the battle
Angola
Eu que nunca foi de lutar I who had never faught
Jogo com você a qualquer hora. I’ll play you anytime
Nem pretendia a lutar amigo velho Nor wanted to fight an old friend
Sou angoleiro e venho de Angola, I am an angoleiro and I come from
Botei a arma na mão took a weapon in my hand
Angola
Era tempo de lutar It was time to fight
Era hora de lutar It was the hour to fight
Tempo de Lutar Time To fight

51
Tava lá na beira do Mar I was at the seashore Tem Dende, Tem Dende Has dendê, Has dendê
Tava lá na beira do Mar, quando I was at the seashore when Curio Tem dendê, tem dendê Has dendê, has dendê
Curio chegou arrived No jogo de Angola tem dendê The Angola roda has dendê
Tava lá na beira do Cais, quando I was at the shore of Cais when Tem dendê, tem dendê Has dendê, has dendê
Curio chegou Curio arrived No jogo de baixo tem dendê The low game has dendê
Com o pandeiro e atabaque, with a pandeiro, atabaque, berimbau
berimbau e agogô and agogô
Com o pandeiro e atabaque, with a pandeiro, atabaque, • dendê (den-DAY)
A palm plant brought to Brazil by Africans. The oil A song relating a list of people, places, and things
berimbau e agogô berimbau and agogô of the dendê is used in Brazilian cooking. Dendê that have a special magic called dendê. Having
Vai rolar, vai rolar, Capoeira na beira It’s going to roll, it’s going to roll, also connects to the orixas (gods) of candomblé. If dendê is a good thing (see vocab at right). This
do mar Capoeira at the seashore a capoeira player has dendê it indicates a deep song allows for a great deal of improvisation, and
connection to the game and to the gods. just about anything can be called out if it deserves it.
Vai rolar, vai rolar, Capoeira na It's going to roll, Capoeira at the
beira do mar seashore

Tim, Tim Tim Aruandê Tim, Tim Tim Aruandê

Tim tim tim Aruandê Tim tim tim Aruandê


Aruanda, Aruanda, aruandê Aruanda, Aruanda, aruandê
Tim tim tim Aruandê Tim tim tim Aruandê
Aruanda, Aruanda, aruandê Aruanda, Aruanda, aruandê
Tim, Tim, Tim Aruande Tim, Tim, Tim Aruande
Aruanda, Aruanda, Aruande Aruanda, Aruanda, Aruande
Tim, Tim, Tim Aruande Tim, Tim, Tim Aruande
Aruanda, Aruanda, Aruande Aruanda, Aruanda, Aruande
Tim, Tim, Tim Aruande Tim, Tim, Tim Aruande
Aruanda, Aruanda e mandigueiro Aruanda, Aruanda e mandigueiro
Tim, Tim, Tim Aruande Tim, Tim, Tim Aruande
Aruanda, Aruanda e Macunge Aruanda, Aruanda e Macunge
Tim, Tim, Tim Aruande Tim, Tim, Tim Aruande

52
Tô dormindo tô sonhando I am sleeping i am dreaming Troca Mão Pelo Pé Exchange Hand For Foot
Tô dormindo to sonhando, I am sleeping I am dreaming Vieram tres pra bater no nego Three men came to beat the negro
tão falando mal de mim they are talking badly about me Trosseram faca, chicote e facao, With knife, whip and machete
Trabalha cara rasterar no chão Pushing his face into the dirt
Tô Dormindo tô Sonhando I am sleeping i am dreaming Trabalha cara rasterar no chão Pushing his face into the dirt
Voce não sabe que poder fazer o You don’t know what the negro can
Ô não me deixam sossegar Oh, they don't let me rest nego do
Voce não sabe que poder fazer o You don’t know what the negro can
Tô Dormindo tô Sonhando I am sleeping i am dreaming nego do
Troca mão pelo pé Exchange hand for the foot
Vou benzer meu patuá I'm going to bless my patuá Troca pé pela mão Exchange foot for the hand
Troca mão pelo pé Exchange hand for the foot
Tô DormindotTô Sonhando i am sleeping i am dreaming Troca pé pela mão Exchange foot for the hand
Troca pé pela mão Exchange foot for the hand
Tão falando mal de mim they are talking badly about me Troca mão pelo pé Exchange hand for the foot

Tô Dormindo tô Sonhando I am sleeping i am dreaming

Agora vou acordar now i'm going to wake up

Tô Dormindo tô Sonhando I am sleeping i am dreaming

Quem falou não está longe Whoever spoke isn't far


tô dormindo tô sonhando I am sleeping i am dreaming
Na roda de capoeira In the roda of capoeira

The mestre will often make fun of a student who


plays badly, saying: "what, were you sleeping in the
roda?" An oft-told anecdote is of one mestre getting
a student to wake up by hitting him over the head
with a berimba.

53
Um pouquinho de dendê A little dendê Uma Volta Só Once Again
Eu vim aqui buscar I came here to seek Ô Iaia Mandou Dá The slave master’s daughter said to
um pouquinho de dendê a little bit of dendê give
Eu vim aqui buscar I came here to seek Uma Volta Só One more round
um pouquinho de dendê a little bit of dendê Ô Que Volta Danada Oh what a damned round
Prá passar do berimbau To pass to the berimbau, Uma Volta Só One more round
um pouquinho de dendê a little bit of dendê Ô Me Leva, Ô Me Volta Oh it carries me, oh it turns me
Prá passar do berimbau To pass to the berimbau, a little bit Uma Volta Só One more round
um pouquinho de dendê of dendê Ô Que Volta Demorada Oh what a late round
Prá passar do atabaque To pass to the atabaque, Uma Volta Só One more round
um pouquinho de dendê a little bit of dendê Mas Que Volta Ligeira But what a quick round
Prá passar do atabaque To pass to the atabaque, a little bit Uma Volta Só One more round
um pouquinho de dendê of dendê
Prá passar do agogô To pass to the agogô,
This song may call attention to a player's bad (or
um pouquinho de dendê a little bit of dendê good) turns in the game. Sometimes, all one has to • iaia (yah-YAH)
Prá passar do agogô To pass to the agogô, do to change the nature of a game is to turn. The slave master's daughter
um pouquinho de dendê a little bit of dendê

Um, dois, tres One, two, three


Um, dois, tres One, two, three
Bate palma pra ele Clap for him
Um, dois, tres One, two, three
Bate palma pra ele Clap for him

This song is often alternated with the song Menino


e bom.

54
Brincadeira Mandinga Lets start a playful game Vem Começo A Roda Io Io I’m going to start the roda
Vamos começar a brincadeira Let’s start a playful game Vem começo a roda io io I’m going to start the roda io io
A brincadeira de capoeira A playful game of Capoeira Começo o canto ia ia I’m going to start singing ia ia
Eu dou armada, meia- lua e rasteira I do an armada, meia-lua and rasteira Vem começo a roda io io I’m going to start the roda io io
A brincadeira de capoeira A playful game of Capoeira Começo o canto ia ia I’m going to start singing ia ia
Vem começo a roda io io Come start the roda io io
Vamos começar a brincadeira Let’s start a playful game Começo o canto ia ia I start singing
A brincadeira de capoeira A playful game of Capoeira Vem começo a roda io io I’m going to start the roda io io
Começo o canto ia ia I’m going to start singing ia ia
Vamos começar a brincadeira Let’s start a playful game Berimbau ta tocando menino The berimbau is playing boy
A brincadeira de capoeira A playful game of Capoeira Chamando voce pra jogar Calling you to play
Capoeira Arte e magia Capoeira Art and magic
Vamos começar a brincadeira Let’s start a playful game E a coisa mais linda aqui It is the prettiest thing here
A brincadeira de capoeira A playful game of Capoeira Vem começo a roda io io I’m going to start the roda io io
Começo o canto ia ia I’m going to start singing
Eu do martelo, cabeçada e ponteira I do Martello, cabecada and ponteira Vem começo a roda io io I’m going to start the roda io io
A brincadeira de capoeira A playful game of Capoeira Começo o canto ia ia I start singing ia ia
Começo a roda io io Start the roda io io
Começo o canto ia ia I start singing ia ia
Vamos começar a brincadeira Let’s start a playful game Começo a roda io io I’m going to start the roda io io
A brincadeira de capoeira A playful game of Capoeira Começo o canto ia ia I start singing ia ia
Vem começo a roda io io Come start the roda io io
Começo o canto ia ia I start singing ia ia
Vem começo a roda io io I’m going to start the roda io io
Começo o canto ia ia I start singing ia ia

55
Vinha da Bahia pra lhe ver I came from Bahia to see you Coro Chorus

Vinha da Bahia pra lhe ver, vinha I came from Bahia to see you, I Para na Baía de Guanabara I stopped in the Bay of Guanabara*
da da Bahia pra lhe ver came from Bahia to see you, De frente ao faro Cristo Redentor Me In front of Christ Redentor#
Vim da da Bahia pra lhe ver, pra I came from Bahia to see you, to deu fome eu comei o Pao de açucar I was starving and ate the sugar loaf+
lhe ver pra lhe ver, pra lhe ver, pra see you to see you, to see you, to Fui pra Barra da Tijuca so pra ver o I was to Barra of the Tijuca only to
lhe ver see you meu amor see my love

Coro Chorus
~The Jangada is a fishing raft made of six *This is the name of the whole bay inlet – Rio de
longitudinal logs from the Piuva tree (similar to Janeior is on the south-west shore.
Tava la no alto da Ribeira I was there on the top of the ribeira Balsa). It is held together with wooden pegs and #Big statue in Rio
Na Bahia que è terra de muito axê In Bahia, a land with lots of axê vegetable fibre and constructed using only the
simplest of tools. It is used off the beaches of north +This is a joke with the fact that the famous hill in
Minha mae è uma grande lavadeira My mother is a great laundrywoman east Brazil by the ‘Janadeiros’. Jangadas date Rio is called “Sugar loaf”
O meu pai nos appendera na colheita My father taught us how to harvest back thousands of years and are a strong iconic
do cafè coffee feature of Brazilian folklore.

Coro Chorus

Minha jangada~ vem pro Rio de My boat arrives at Rio De Janeiro


janeiro
Vem ate Salome e São Tropè It comes to Salome and Sao tropè
Vem que eu so um bom jangadeiro I managed to get here because I am
a good rafter
Tambem so um capoeira vim aqui so I’m a Capoeirista as well and I only
pra lhe ver came here to see you

Coro Chorus

Chegar ao Rio de Janeiro I arrived in Rio De Janeiro


Terra com clima genial A Land with a great climate
Trouxe de lembrança pra você um I bring you a atabaque for memorie
atabaque (souvenir)
Um pandeiro e tambem trouxe um A pandeiro also brought a berimbau
berimbau

56
Você Que É Forte You Strong One Xarél, Xereré Xarél, Xereré*
Você que é forte You Strong One Xarél, xereré Xarél, xereré
Que só pensa em pegar peso. That only thinks about getting bigger É o peixe do mar Are fish from the sea
(muscles). *fish from Bahia
Quero ver entrar na roda I want to see you enter the roda
E mostrar que é mandingeiro And show you what a mandingueiro
is

Você que é forte You Strong One


Que só pensa em pegar peso. That only thinks about getting
bigger (muscles).
Quero ver entrar na roda I want to see you enter the roda
E mostrar que é mandingeiro. And show you what a
mandingueiro is

Seu jogo não tem mandinga Your play has no magic


Seu jogo não tem molejo Your play has no swing
Quando é jogo bonito When there is a beautiful game Xô xô meu canario Shoo, shoo my canary
Você não faça nem um floreio You don’t do a floreio
E quando o jogo aperta And when the game is challenging Xô xô meu canario Shoo, shoo my canary
Você fica sem reação You don’t react Meu canario é cantador My canary is a singer
Para logo pra agarrar You stop early to grapple Xô xô meu canario Shoo, shoo my canary
E jogar outro no chão And throw someone else on the Foi embora e me deixou It went away and left me
ground Xô xô meu canario Shoo, shoo my canary
Você que é forte You Strong One Meu canario é da alemanha My German canary
Que só pensa em pegar peso. That only thinks about getting
bigger (muscles).
Quero ver entrar na roda I want to see you enter the roda
E mostrar que é mandingeiro. And show you what a
mandingueiro is
E num jogo de Angola And in an Angola game
Você é a negação You are the negation (of what the
game should be)
Todo esse corpo duro All this muscly body
Não saber jogar no chão You can’t play on the ground
Vou te dizer meu camarada Que eu I’m going to tell you friend
não sou bom de capoeira That I am not good at capoeira
Mas o que tu faça cansado But what you are doing while tired
Eu faço na brincadeira I do while playing

57
Samba Songs Praia Da Amaralina Amaralina Beach
Na praia da amaralina tem dois At the beach of Amaralina there are
camarão na areia two shrimps in the sand
Lê Lê Lê Baiana Lê Lê Lê Baiana Camarão tava sentado falando da Shrimp are talking about other
vida alheia people’s lives
Na praia da amaralina tem dois In amaralina* there are two
A baiana me pega Bahian catches me
camarão na areia shrimps in the sand
Me leva pro samba She takes me to the samba
Camarão tava sentado falando da Shrimp are talking about other
Eu sou do samba I am from the samba
vida alheia people
Eu vim sambá I came to dance samba
Na praia da amaralina tem dois In amaralina there are two shrimps
Le le le baiana Le le le baiana
camarão sentado in the sand
Minha baiana que deu o sinal My Bahian who gave the signal
Falando da vida alheia e camarão The mean shrimp are talking about
Le le le baiana Le le le baiana
malvado other people
Pra' dançar o carnaval To dance at the carnival
Na praia da amaralina tem dois In amaralina there are two
Le le le baiana Le le le baiana
camarão sentado shrimps in the sand
Tambem jogar capoiera And also to play capoeira
Falando da vida alheia e camarão The mean shrimp are talking about
Le le le baiana Le le le baiana
malvado other people
Angola e regional Angola and regional
Le le le baiana Le le le baiana *Amaralina Beach is a famous beach in Bahia.

O Levanta Saia Mulata Lift your skirt up girl


O levanta saia mulata* Lift your skirt up girl
nao deixa a saia molhar Don’t wet your skirt woman
pois a saia custou dinheiro because the skirt costs money
e dinheiro custou ganhar And money is hard to earn
O levanta saia mulata Lift your skirt up Black girl
nao deixa a saia molhar Don’t wet your skirt woman
pois a saia custou dinheiro because the skirt costs money
e dinheiro custou ganhar And money is hard to earn
A mulata is a mixed race girl

58
Sereia Sereia Mermaid, Mermaid Cabana De Guerreiro Warrior’s hut
Eu nunca vi tanta areia no mar I’ve never been to the seaside Certo dia na cabana um guerreiro One day in the hut a warrior
Sereia Sereia Mermaid, Mermaid* Certo dia na cabana um guerreiro One day in the hut a warrior
Eu nunca vi tanta areia no mar I’ve never been to the seaside Foi atacado por uma tribo pra valê Was seriously attacked by a tribe
Sereia Sereia Mermaid, mermaid Pegou dois paus, saiu de salto mortal He grabbed two sticks, did a backflip
E gritou pula menino, que eu sou And cried out jump boy, because I
*Also used by men as a term for woman, like Maculelê am Maculelê
“princess”.
Certo dia na cabana um guerreiro One day in the hut a warrior
Certo dia na cabana um guerreiro One day in the hut a warrior
Foi atacado por uma tribo pra valê Was seriously attacked by a tribe
Pegou dois paus, saiu de salto He Grabbed two sticks, jumped a
mortal backflip
E gritou pula menino, que eu sou And cried out jump boy, because I
Maculelê am Maculelê

Maculele Songs Ê pula lá que eu pulo cá Jump there, cause I jump here
Que eu sou Maculelê Cause I am Maculelê
Ê pula lá que eu quero vê Jump there, cause I want to see
Boa noite pra quem é de boa Good night for whoever is from Que eu sou Maculelê Cause I am Maculelê
noite the good night Ê pula eu pula você I jump, you jump
Que eu sou Maculelê Cause I am Maculelê
Boa noite pra quem é de boa noite Good night for whoever is from the Ê pula lá que eu quero vê Jump there, cause I want to see
good night Que eu sou Maculelê Cause I am Maculelê
Bom dia pra quem é de bom dia Good day for whoever is from the
good day
A benção meu papai a benção A blessing, my father, a blessing
Maculelê é o rei da valentia Maculelê is the king of the brave
Boa noite pra quem é de boa noite Good night for whoever is from the
good night
Bom dia pra quem é de bom dia Good day for whoever is from the
good day
A benção meu papai a benção A blessing, my father, a blessing
Maculelê é o rei da valentia Maculelê is the king of the brave

59
E na hora ê The hour is here Maculele Jurou Vinganca Maculele Jurou Vinganca
Êêêê, mas E na hora ê, E na hora á but it’s time, it’s time Maculele jurou vingança Maculele swore revenge
E na hora ê, sou de Angola And in the hour, I am from Angola Mas que a dança que ele dança é And says that the dance that it
E na hora ê, E na hora á but in the hour, and in the hour mortal dances is deadly
E na hora ê, sou de Angola And in the hour, I am from Angola maculele é já folclore maculele was already folklore
E na hora ê, E na hora á but in the hour, and in the hour e já foi luta no canavial And was already a fight in the
E na hora ê, dá licença pr' eu passar And in the hour, give permission for me sugarcane fields
to pass
E na hora ê, E na hora á but in the hour, and in the hour Maculele jurou vingança Maculele swore revenge
E na hora ê, sou de Angola And in the hour, I am from Angola Mas que a dança que ele dança é And says that the dance that it
mortal dances is deadly
This song can also be sung “eu vim na hora é, vim maculele é já folclore maculele is already folklore
na hora á,” which means “I came at the right time”.
e já foi luta no canavial And was already fought in the
canival

olele maculele, olele maculele,


o nós vamos vadiar Let’s play
Tindolelê auê Cauiza Tindolelê auê Cauiza olele maculele, olele maculele
lá no canavial there in the sugarcane fields
Tindolelê auê Cauiza Tindolelê auê Cauiza
Tindolelê é sangue real Tindolelê is royal blood
Meu pai é filho eu sou neto de My father is a son, I am a grandson
Aruanda of Aruanda
Tindolelê auê Cauiza Tindolelê auê Cauiza
Cauiza, de onde é que veio Cauiza, where did it came from
Eu vim de Angola ê I came from Angola
Maculelê, de onde é que veio Maculelê, where did it came from
Sou Eu Maculele It’s me, Maculele
Eu vim de Angola ê I came from Angola
Sou eu, sou eu Sou eu, sou eu
Mestre Popó, de onde é que veio Mestre Popô, where did he come
sou eu, maculele, sou eu Its me, maculele, Its me
from
sou eu, sou eu Sou eu, sou eu
Eu vim de Angola ê I came from Angola
sou eu, maculele, sou eu Its me, maculele, Its me
E o atabaque, de onde é que veio And the atabaque, where did it come
from
Eu vim de Angola ê I came from Angola
E o agogô, de onde é que veio And the agogô, where did it come
from
Eu vim de Angola ê I came from Angola

These are words used during Candomble rituals.


Tindolelê means “real/royal/pure/bloody”

60
Brazilian Portugese Pronunciation Dipthongs (a double vowel sound)

ãe
This sounds like the an in lang: mãe ('mother').
ACCENT INDICATES

the pronunciation is open as in café (coffee), avó ão


´ acute (grandmother). This sounds like the ow in frown but nasalized: não ('no').

^ the pronunciation is closed as in você (you), avô õe


circumflex (grandfather). This is pronounced like the on in song but nasalized: limões ('lemons').

` grave
a contraction of the preposition a (to) and the definite ou
article à (to). This is pronounced like the ow in crow: mandou ('he sent').

~ tilde a nasal sound as in mão (hand).


ei
This is pronounced like the ay in day: dei ('I bought').
.. two dots the letter u is pronounced as in tranqüilo (quiet).
eu
This is pronounced like ayooh (the first part rhymes with hay): eu ('I').

ai
This is pronounced like the ie in pie: pai ('father').

Disappearing words in Brazilian Portugese………


One key feature of Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation is that the non-
accented syllables are subjected to something called 'vocalic
reduction'7. . Here the post-tonic syllable (post means after and tonic
means where the main stress lies), is almost dropped completely –
they are shorter and muted. So this means the vowel in those
syllables are not pronounced as they are written. There is an
exception to this phenomenon and that is when the word ends in 's' –
otherwise people wouldn’t know if a word was plural or not!!!
61
Vowels
o
a If this is stressed or has an acute accent (ó), it is pronounced like the oin
If this is stressed, it is pronounced like the a in father but shorter: fado opera, but closed before a nasal consonant: fome ('hunger'). When it is
(pronounced fahdoo). If it is unstressed, it is pronounced like the e in unstressed, it is pronounced like the oo in book: gato ('cat'). The
rather: mesa (pronounced meza) ('table'). commonest sound is similar to oh, like o in police: motorista ('driver').

u
ã This is usually pronounced like the oo in roof: rua ('street'). In the
This is pronounced like the un in lung but nasalized: macã ('apple'). following four groups however, it is not pronounced: gue, gui, que and
qui.

e
1 if this is stressed, it sounds either like the e in sell: perto (pronounced
perhtoo) ('near') or like the ey in prey: saber (pronounced sabeyr) ('to
know'). If it is unstressed, it sounds like the ey in prey: bebida
(pronounced beybeeda) ('drink').
2 At the end of a word e is pronounced like ee in peep: cidade
(pronounced seedahjee ('city'). In penisular Portugese, however, the final
e is not pronounced: tarde (pronounced tard) ('late/afternoon').
3 The word for 'and', e, is pronounced as ee in sweep.
e like in 'end'
é like the 'a' in 'share'
ê like the 'a' in 'make'

i
This is pronounced like the e in evil: decidir ('to decide'). When it is
unstressed, it sounds like the i in pin: idade (pronounced idahjee) ('age').

62
Consonants g
1 This is soft before an e or an i, as in the English s in pleasure: gente
b (pronounced zhentjee) ('people').
As in bank: obrigado (pronounced obreegahdoo) ('thank you'). 2 Hard before an o, u or a, as in get: gato (pronounced gahto) ('cat').

c gua/guo sounds like


1 This can be soft, like the s in slow before an e or an i: cidade água water Nicaragua
[gw]
(pronounced seedahjee) ('city'). If the c has a cedilla (ç), it is always soft.
GU português Portuguese gue/gui sounds like [g] get
2 Hard, as in card before an o, a or u: cabeçada ('headbutt')
güe/güi sounds like
lingüiça sausage Nicaragua
CH cheque check sounds like [sh] she [gw]

d h
As in sad: tenda ('tent'). It is palatised before i or a final unstressed e to This is never pronounced: homem (pronounced omaing) ('man').
sound like the ji in jinx: dificuldade (pronounced djeefeeculdahdjee 1 When it appears as ch it is pronounced like sh in shore: chuva
('difficulty'). (pronounced shoova) ('rain').
2 When it appears as nh it is pronounced like ni in onion: banho
dj like the 'j' in 'jeans' (pronounced banyoo) ('bath').
3 When it appears as lh it is pronounced like lli in billion: mulher
(pronounced moolyair) (woman).

f
j
As in fair: fado (pronounced fahdoo). Soft, as in the English s in pleasure: jovem (pronounced zhovaing)
('young').

63
l r
As in look: mala ('suitcase'). At the end of a word it sounds fainter, like ow receipt similar to [h] sound Holiday
in cow: Brasil (pronounced brazeeow). recibo
similar to [h] sound, if
honra honor Holiday
LH trabalho work sounds like [ll] million preceded by n
sounds like [r], similar
carta letter to the English or French morning or jour
r
m caro expensive similar to [r] sound Mary
Except at the end of the word, this is pronounced as in may: maio carro car similar to [h] sound Holiday
(pronounced myyoo) ('May'). At the end of a word it causes the preceding
vowel to be nasalised: bem (pronounced beyng) ('well').

s
n 1 At the beginning of a word this is pronounced like the s in sun: socorro!
As in no: não ('no'). (pronounced sockohroo) ('help!').
2 Between two vowels it is pronounced like the s in present: casa
(pronounced caahzah) ('house').
3 At the end of the word it is pronouced like s in books: livros
sounds like [ng], similar to (pronounced leevroos) ('books').
NH amanhã tomorrow
the French words Avignon 4 In certain parts of Brazil s at the end of the word is pronouced like sh in
push: livros (pronounced leevroosh) ('books').

p
As in put: pessoa ('person'). t
This is pronounced as in teacher: tudo (pronounced toodooh)
('everything'). It is palatised before i or a final unstressed e to sound like
the ch in cheers: vestido (pronounced vestcheedoo) ('dress').
q
This always appears as qu and is pronounced as in quick: quatro
(pronounced kwahtroo) ('four').

64
v
As in video: videocassete (pronounced veedjeeocassetjee) ('VCR').

x
1 At the beginning of a word this is pronounced like sh in push: xale
(pronounced shal) ('shawl').
2 In the prefix ex when followed by a vowel, it is pronounced like z in zoo:
executivo (pronounced ezekootcheevoo) ('executive').
3 Within a word and between two vowels, it can be pronoucned either like
like sh in push: roxo (pronounced hohshoo) ('purple'); or like the cks in
racks: tóxico (pronounced tokseekoo) ('toxic').
4 Followed by ce or ci, it is not pronounced: excelente (pronounced
eselentchee) ('excellent').

z
1 At the beginning and in the middle of a word, this is pronounced like z in
zoo: zanga ('anger'); dizer (pronounced djeezeyr) ('to say')
2 At the end of the word it is pronounced like the final English s: faz ('he
does'). In some parts of Brazil it is pronounced like the s in pleasure: faz
(pronounced fazh) ('he does').

Once again, if you find any mistakes either in terms of the above
explanations please contact me as I will update the file. Thanks!
Email me at gowithwhatisATyahooDOTcom

Acknowledgements:
• The consonant, vowel and dipthong section were taken from
http://www.beribazu.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=608. If
you are the writer of that forum post, please contact me so I
can credit you!
• The various tables slotted into the pronunciation section are
taken from www.sonia-portuguese.com
65
Songs that reflect special roda moments the time, but surprising things happen when one goes into an attack.
Usually played in Angola games.
Camugere
Start of the Roda to welcome a new capoeirista, especially a Mestre.
Moleque E Tu
A playfully confrontational song accusing a player of being a moleque
("street urchin") deserving of punishment.
A Bananeira Caiu
When someone in the roda falls after doing some kind of handstand, this
song is often sung, especially if he who fell is a tough guy.
Nhem, Nhem, Nhem
This song may be sung when a player is being particularly "bratty."
Ai ai Aide
This song is frequently directed at players who are making mistakes or
Ô â ô â ei
This song suggests a certain fighting spirit in the roda, expressed in the
generally playing sloppily in the roda. It can also be sung as a celebration
joy of seeing the opponent fall.
of a great game in progress.
Olha Pomba voôu
Apanha a laranja no chão, tico tico This song may be sung at a crucial time during the roda. Perhaps a player
This song reminds players to use their feet and "beaks" instead of hands.
has frustrated an opponent so much that it's time to escape from the roda.
It may also be used in the "money game," where a handkerchief full of
Or, perhaps the game escalates to a level of "fighting" where the dove
money is spread in the middle of the roda.
(perhaps signifying peace) has flown away.
Devager, Devager Quem jogo
This is a reminder for players to slow the game down when an Angola
This song is sung towards the end of a roda – to remind people who
game is getting too fast or intense
haven’t played that this will be their last chance
Dona Alice Quebra Gereba
A song well suited to a game in which one capoeirista is getting a little too
This is the last name of a popular person whose name children would call.
"clingy" with the other. For historical informations, Dona Alice was one of
It can also refer to "melon," and slang for the male sex organ. Gereba
Mestre Bimba's mistresses! This song is about resisting temptation to fall
also means someone who is hard to take down.
into another woman's arms. A parallel is easily made with the capoeira
game.
Sou Capoeira e pego na viola
Often sung towards the end of a roda, if the energy has gone down.
Gunga é meu
This is a song intoning the importance of the berimbau gunga, or the bass
berimbau, which controls the game and sets the pace for the roda.
Tô dormindo Tô sonhando
The mestre will often make fun of a student who plays badly, saying:
"what, were you sleeping in the roda?" An oft-told anecdote is of one
Jogo de Dentro Jogo De Fora mestre getting a student to wake up by hitting him over the head with a
This song is a reminder to play "inside" (towards the opponent) as well as
berimbau (!).
"outside" (backing away). Frequently a beginner will back away most of

66
Uma Volta Só Improvisation in songs
This song may call attention to a player's bad (or good) turns in the game.
Sometimes, all one has to do to change the nature of a game is to turn. The lyrics to most of these songs have been compiled from various
sources, including websites, CDs, workshops, live performances, and
other sources. Every attempt has been made to provide a "definitive"
version averaged from these various sources.

However, in compiling these songs, it became clear that, while many may
tell a specific story or conjure a specific mood, most of can also be greatly
improvised.

Mestre Caboquinho once suggested that when the basic lines of a corrido
are known, students can just look in a Portuguese dictionary and sing
anything that makes sense (and, presumably, stays in the rhythm of the
music). So the lyrics listed here are to be used merely as suggestions.

Example:
The song Camunjerê is often used as a greeting song, because it
includes lines such as Como vai, como tá ("How's it going, how are you?").
This means that any and all similar types of greetings may be added:

• Tanto tempo não te vejo ("It's been so long since I've seen you")
• Eu tu bem de saúde? ("Are you in good health?")
• Eu vim só pra saber ("I came just to see")
• Vim aqui pra lhe ver ("I came here to see you")

Other examples: if a song is about Senhor São Bento, it's a safe bet that
anything having to do with snakes is okay. If the song is about the sea (as
in E na Areia do Mar, Maré, Maré, or Saia do Mar,
Marinheiro), anything about the sea can be mentioned. Some lines, such
as Puxa puxa, leva leva ("Pull it pull it, take it take it") have a specific
function (in this case, to "push" the song onto another singer) but other
lines, such as anything having to do with capoeira (i.e. Eu quero jogar /
jogar de angola, etc.), can be used in almost any song.

67
Improvisation and melody Dona Maria do Camboatá
Santo Antônio é Protetor
As if the challenge of improvising in a new language isn't enough, these Santa Maria Mãe de Deus
songs are often sung with different melodies! However, it must also be Ai, Ai, Aidê
said that many capoeira songs share very similar melodies (in fact some Tô Dormindo, tô Sonhando
are exactly the same), and many may be alternated with each other.
Below is just a partial list of possibilities.
Devagar, Devagar
Ê Dona Alice Não Me Pegue Não
Songs with the same melodies
Apanha a Laranja no Chão, Tico-tico
Jogo de Dentro, Jogo de Fora
A Onça Morreu
Eu Tenho que Ir-me Embora
Deus Que Me Deu, Deus Que Me Dá
Eu Vi a Cutia com Côco no Dente
Gunga é Meu
Pomba Voou
Tem Dendê
Valha me Deus, Senhor São Bento
Eh legal
Dona Maria Como Vai voce

Cadê, Cadê
Maré, Maré
Quem Joga
Eu ja vou beleza, eu ja vou m’embora

Paraná ê
Saia do Mar, Marinheiro
Pomba vou
Gunga meu

Dá, Dá, Dá no Nêgo


Quebra, Quebra Gereba
olha negro senhor
Uma Volta So
Chora Menino
Bate Palma pra ele
Moleque É Tu

68
Senhor São Bento

Abalou Capoeira, Abalou


Santa Barbara que Relampuê

Similar melodies
E de Manha, Idalina tá me Chamando
Eu Sou Angoleiro
Joga na roda da bantus
Para roda capoeira

Ê Dona Alice Não Me Pegue Não


Dona Maria, Vai Voce

A canoa virou, marinheiro


abalou Capoeira

Pisa, Caboclo
Adeus, Santo Amaro
Vou Me Embora, Vou Me Embora

Interchangeable melodies

Tem Dendê
Valha Me Deus, Senhor São Bento

Dá, Dá, Dá no Nêgo may be sung as


Ai, Ai, Aidê
69
Why Sing In Portuguese? Others may see it differently. They may argue that capoeira has changed
with the times, taken on new influences, and indeed become a global
phenomenon. So why not add other languages to the mix, to help
proliferate and celebrate the art? Besides, if capoeira is the universal
"fight hidden as a dance," then it shouldn't we be able to use it to
comment on our own "oppression," no matter where we are?

Well, I believe this is a very "postmodern" take on capoeira.

Because the fact is, that even as the outward expressions of capoeira
Menino eu estou dizendo (the movements, the form of dress, styles of teaching, etc.) may have
Kid, I'm telling you appeared to change, its inner workings have changed far, far less.
Aprenda se quizer Capoeira remains a unique mindset that is both universal in scope and
Learn if you want to extremely local in its origins in Brazilian, and specifically Bahian, culture.
Pastinha tem academia
Pastinha has an academy As such, it might perhaps be better for capoeiristas outside Brazil to
Todos pode aprender pretend these songs offer us access to a "secret cult" of sorts, much like
Everyone can learn the secrets of candomblé (an Afro-Brazilian religion) were originally
Homem, menino, e mulher disguised as Catholicism.
Man, child, and woman
—FROM THE MANUSCRITOS DE PASTINHA For example, when a mestre sings "jogo de dentro, jogo de fora" ("game
of the inside, game of the outside") during the roda, outsiders may only
It was the Portuguese who first colonized the area now known as Brazil. hear a pleasant tune, but internally, we know it reminds the players to
Slaves, taken from their African homeland, had to learn the language of consider their game more carefully.
the masters in order to survive. At the same time, many African (and
some indigenous Tupí) words were introduced into the lexicon of
Portuguese, adding an indelible African touch to the Brazilian Portuguese By shrouding ourselves in this "secret" knowledge (which is available to
spoken today. anyone who comes to class), I believe we may better preserve the

So why must we sing in Portuguese if we are not Brazilian, or "cultural integrity" of capoeira and let the very traditions and rituals tell us
Portuguese? What if we are learning capoeira in an English, or Spanish, about the present moment.
or French speaking country? Is it really essential to the art? If we sing in
Portuguese, aren't we limiting our audience? And aren't we just In other words, instead of changing capoeira to suit our needs, we may
perpetuating the imposition of a European language on Africans and ask how capoeira can change us to suit its needs.
indigenous peoples anyway?
[O] fim [da capoeira] é inconcebível ao mais sábio dos mestres.
Obviously, there are no simple answers to these questions. But for some, [Capoeira's] end is inconceivable to the wisest of mestres.
it is enough to say: "that's the way it's always been done." —MESTRE PASTINHA (1889–1981)

70
A Note On Oral Tradition
The songs available in this document have been painstakingly translated
and formatted to make them easier to learn and sing with confidence.

However, it must never be forgotten that capoeira was (and still is, in
many circles) an oral culture, based on passing down information through
aural memorization, not written.

Mestre Caboquinho once reminded me with some seriousness that, in the


first 300 years of capoeira's development, "slaves didn't have time to write
things down." Nor did they have the means. Even today, many of Brazil's
steet children face a similar lack of formal education and resources.

So please accept these songs as a gift, handed to you on a silver platter.


Many mestres might frown on the practice of making these songs so
"accessible," but we have found it to be an invaluable tool for those of us
who are not native speakers of Portuguese.

71
The different types of Capoeira songs Chulas
Chulas (SHOO-lahs, or "songs") are also variously called the cantos de
entrada (KAHN-tohs d(j)ee ehn-TRAH-dah, or "songs of entry"), and the
louvação (loo-vah-SAO(m), or "salutation").

Like many African song forms, the songs of capoeira are generally They consist of a series of call and response chants that end the ladainha.
"call and response." The song leader begins, followed by the response They call out various people, places, images, and philosophies of
by the chorus. capoeira. The singer begins each line with the call of Iê. The chorus then
repeats the line and adds the word camará (derived from "comrade") to
In the traditional roda de capoeira angola, (this also applies to the end of each line:
contemporânea too especially during a batizado) there are four types
of songs: the ladainha, chula, corrido, and despedida. LEAD: Iê, viva meu Mestre
CHORUS: Iê, viva meu Mestre, camará
LEAD: Iê, quem me ensinou
CHORUS: Iê, quem me ensinou, camará

Ladainhas With the beginning of the chulas, all the remaining instruments may begin
playing, and two capoeiristas may set up at the foot of the berimbau
The ladainha (lah-dah-EEN-yah), or "litany," is the opening incantation of gunga, awaiting permission to enter the roda.
the roda. It is usually led by the mestre, or by a player about to enter the
roda, and is begun with the cry of Iê! (ee-EH). You have almost definitely heard chulas being sung after the
Ladainhas at the start of a roda or a batizado.
In more traditional settings, the opening ladainha is sung with only five
instruments playing: three berimbaus and two pandeiros. This is done out
of respect for the roda, and to allow the soloist to be better heard by the
audience.

Ladainhas often celebrate places in Bahia, legends from capoeira history,


or lessons from Afro-Brazilian folk wisdom. They may also be improvised
in the moment.

So to be clear – the Ladainhas are solo opening incantations.

72
Corridos
Examples of famous Despedidas
Corridos ("quick" songs) mark the beginning of the games. Corridos are
sung continually during the roda, commenting on the action or setting a Adeus Corina
mood, unless another ladainha is begun, at which point the roda starts Boa Viagem
over.

Corridos usually follow a call-and-response format. The song leader


begins with the chorus line, to remind all singers of the melody, and the Other songs
first line of the song. The rest of the song continues in a leader/chorus
fashion. Various other kinds of songs exist in the context of capoeira. Of these, the
most important are the quadras, which begin like a ladainha,
Just to make clear – these are the catchy, common songs that but may happen in the middle of the roda, and do not have an
are sung in a roda all the time. intermediary chula.

In Mestre Bimba's capoeira regional, quadras replace the ladainha


Examples of Corridos altogether. They are often four lines long, rhyme, and are (unlike the
angoleiro's quadra) followed by the chula (often called the saudação in
Ê Paraná, regional).
Ai, Ai, Aidê
Dona Maria como vai você? The martelo ("hammer") consists of ten-syllable lines and is infrequently
used.

Popular music continues to be an influence on capoeira songs. For


example, samba songs are often adapted for use in the samba de roda
that sometimes ends the roda de capoeira.
Despedidas
Numerous non-traditional songs are always being written, especially by
the younger generation of mestres, and more frequently in the
Various kinds of despedidas (desh-speh-D(j)EE-dahs), or "goodbyes," are
"contemporary" schools of capoeira.
sometimes sung to end the roda. Often, these are accompanied by a
ritualistic procession, begun by berimbau gunga.

Participants may stand and walk in a circle, at which time it is permitted to


comprar o jogo (or "buy into the game"). The procession may also leave
the space in a single file, passing the gunga player (usually the mestre)
as they exit. The only instrument that remains stationary is the atabaque.
At other times, a roda may end with the toque de samba, after which a
samba circle erupts.

73
Syncretic Religious Practice in Brazil allowed slaves to continue to use their drums. Thus began the
rhythm of the saints, the samba, and it explains why Brazilian
"batucadas" reign unequaled today. Brazil got the samba, and the
U.S. got "the blues."
Brief History
The term Macumba also refers to the certain dancing and drumming
rituals that form part of the macumba religion, that are often seen at street
When the Portuguese began shipping slaves to Brazil the country already parties, carnivals and festivals in Brazil.
had an amalgamation of religions. Catholicism was desperately trying to
rid the area of the native Indian beliefs. The slaves brought their beliefs in
spirits and magic. While the slaves outwardly worshipped under the
Catholic faith, they covertly carried on their religious beliefs since slave Macumba, Quimbanda and Umbanda Religions
owners prohibited slaves from practicing their African form of worship. So
the slaves incorporated their beliefs into the spirits and the magic of the Many initiatives, independent of hierarchical control, made possible a
native faiths. The two religions merged. The God, Exú, became St. rapport between elements of Catholicism, Kardecist Spiritualism and Afro-
Anthony; Iansã became St. Barbara; Iemanjá became Our Lady of the Brazilian traditions. A new religious genealogy emerged from this
Glory; Naña became Our Lady of St. Anne; Oba became Joane of Arc; confusion, but showed that it was divided between the names "Umbanda"
Obaluayê became St. Lazarus/St. Roque; Ogum became St. George; and "Quimbanda" or, more popularly, "Macumba". Both involve worship
Oxalá became Jesus Christ; Oxossi became St. Sebastian; Oxum of multiple deities – Orixás.
became Our Lady of the Conception; Oxumaré became St. Bartholomew;
and Xangó became St. Geronimo. Although Umbanda and Quimbanda share the same set of beliefs, the
two names reflect a difference in emphasis. Umbanda supposedly works
What was evolving was syncretic religion (the merging of different belief "for good", while Quimbanda is distinguished by its intention to work "for
systems) and this very much characterises modern day religion in Brazil. evil". This is a simplistic interpretation, however, because the
Millions of Catholics continue to worship these gods or Orixás privately ambivalence between good and evil seems, in reality, to be characteristic
while maintaining their Catholicism publicly. of the fundamental myths of these religions, which conceives of the
cosmos as divided between different factions, which relate to each other
Today the umbrella term for this religion is know as Macumba (which through mystical attacks and defences. As in the struggles of love and
confusingly is also used by non-practising Brazilians in a pejorative way, other competitive situations, what is good for one party may be bad for
meaning black magic or any religion or religion of African origin) and it is the other, and vice versa.
categorised as a polytheist (many Gods) religion.

Candomblé
Religion and samba connection
Candomblé is perhaps more well known to many non-Brazilian
The practionners of Macumba in Brazil (brought over as slaves) Capoeiristas as this was the form of religion that developed around
summoned their Gods with, amongst other things, their Salvador Brasil, which is also the home of Capoeira Angola. Candomblé
is also a syncretic religion that evolves worship of the Orixás.
drums. Brazilian slave owners, unlike owners in the United States,

74
The Worship of the Orixás (the Gods) Ogum (oh-GOOM)
Associated with Saint George the dragon-slayer, he is the god of steel
Orixás and lives deep in the forest his colors vary but always include the red of
Orixás worship, is common in Brazil (with an estimated 30 million blood. His symbol is the sword and other wrought iron tools. Associated
practitioners). There is a calendar celebration for all the gods, which with Wednesday, his food is red meat and palm wine, and his dance
generally coincide with the Catholic celebrations of Lent, Advent, Easter imitates the march of a warrior. He is the most prevalent dominant god.
and the days of Saints John, Peter, Paul, Lazarus, Cosmos and Damian, (festival date: April 23)
Anthony, Sebastian, George, and All Souls' Day, and Immaculate
Conception. Curiously, nothing coincides with Christmas!
Oxalá (oh-shah-LAH)
Here are just a few of the most important gods: His colors are white, ivory, pearl and silver. His day is Friday and Sunday
and his nature tokens are the oceans, rivers, the sky, mountains and
Exu (hAY-shoe) peaks. His metals are silver and platinum, his amulet a necklace of white
is the messenger to Oldumare. He must be appeased before any beads. The great public celebration held in honor of Oxalá takes place in
commemoration can begin. He is the only god to have a indefinite amount Salvador Bahia. It is the duty of the baianas (woman dressed in white
of locations. His main place is any street crossing. (Dates festival: June cloth who wear elaborate necklaces) to wash the front stairs of the
13) Church of Bonfin . The water used to wash the stairs is prepared in a
secret ritual. This washing is done at the beginning of the year to
symbolize the purification of sins. The baianas also sprinkle water on
Iemanjá (ee-eh-mon-JAH) those people present during the ceremony (festival date: December 25)
The best known of the Afro-gods is the Queen of the Waters, especially
the sea. Identified with Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, she
dresses in sky-blue satin and wears a string of pearls, a tiara, a richly
decorated fan and a long white veil with gold stars. Her statue, which is NB – I would really appreciate feedback on this section. If you have
the most common artifact of Candomblé, has alabaster skin, large breasts any suggestions for changes or additions that should be made please
and is sometimes in the form of a mermaid. email me at gowithwhatisATyahooDOTcom

On December 31, many millions of Brazilians and tourists with no other


connection to the Afro-Brazilian religions dress in white and go to the
nearest beach to honor her. Miniature boats painted silver and filled with a Acknowledgements – This article has been put together from a
bar of soap, a mirror, a bottle of perfume, a comb and white flowers are number of sources -
ritually prepared with much dance and song. At midnight they are http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/macu.html
launched, accompanied by a massive fireworks display. Copacabana http://www.meta-
beach on New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro is a remarkable scene and religion.com/World_Religions/Other_religions/macumba.htm
worth the visit. If the winds or tide return the boats, a bad year is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macumba
anticipated. (festival date: February 2) In Salvador, the Festa de Iemanjá http://www.stirlinglaw.com/ea/macumba.htm
is on August 15. http://www.endangeredcoast.org/northeast%20culture.htm

75
Capoeira Glossary
Verbs Of Capoeira
Nouns And Frequent Words Of Capoeira
Places Of Capoeira
Instruments Of Capoeira
Rhythms Of Capoeira
Games Of Capoeira
Movements Of Capoeira
Portuguêse Characters

VERBS OF CAPOEIRA

apanhar to be beaten
bater to hit
brincar to play eg. children's games
cantar to sing
chamar to call
chorar to cry
chutar to kick
comprar to buy, to enter the roda by cutting in on another player
entrar to enter, to enter the roda
estar to be
fazer to do, to make
fechar to close
ficar to stay
fugar to escape, to exit
gingar to swing
jogar to play eg. sport
lutar to fight
morrer to die
pisar to step
praticar to do, to practice
puxar to pull
queda to stumble, to fall
saber to know
76
sair to exit
tocar to play eg. music
trocar to change, to swap
vadiar to loiter, to be up to no good

NOUNS AND FREQUENT WORDS OF CAPOEIRA

abada white capoeira pants


academia gym or capoeira school
acarajé palm oil and prawn pastie pie
aluno student
Angoleiro practitioner of capoeira de Angola
apelido nick-name
arraia stingray
aula class
Axé positive energy

bamba a master of physical sparring and wordplay, a capoeira expert


bantu group of African tribes/peoples from the north west of Africa
batizado the capoeira initiation ceremony, baptism
besouro beetle
boca mouth, opening in the gourd of a berimbau
boi bull
brincadeira playful game

caiman small crocodile found in South America


camara comrades
capoeirista practioners of capoeira
candomblé African mystic religion
chamada call used in the game of capoeira angola, berimbau rhythm to call attention
cintura desprezada acrobatic exercises to help capoeiristas land on their feet
côco coconut
contramestre one level below a master
coqueiro coconut tree
coração heart
77
corda colored belt awarded to mark advancement in some academies
costas back (anatomy)

danado smart
dendé red palm nut to make palm oil
deus god
discípulo disciple, student of a capoeira master

ele/ela he/she
escravo slave
eu I, me

faca knife
faca de ponta the point of a knife
facão machete, large knife
fechado to be closed, bulletproof
filho/filha son/daughter
floreios acrobatic movements
forró partner dance from the interior of Brazil
folha seca dry leaves
fome hunger
força strength
formatura graduation ceremony for a new capoeira master
formiga ant
forte strong
frente front
frio cold
fundamentos basics, used to describe the philisophical roots of capoeira

galo rooster
gente us, we, people

homen man
hora hour, time

iaiá, ioiô terms used by slaves for daughters and sons of the master
irmão/irma brother/sister

78
jogador player of capoeira
jogo game, a game of capoeira
jacaré alligator

leve lightweight
liçao lesson
ligeiro nimble, agile, fast

macaco monkey
macaquinho little monkey
mãe mother
malandragem cunning
malandro crook or streetwise person
malícia sneaky, sly, deception, trickery, double-dealing
mandinga unique style
mandigueiro sorceror, healer, capoeira player
mangangá medicine man
mão hand
mar sea
marinheiro sailor
mato jungle
menino/a boy/girl
mestre master
molejo smooth moves
moeda coin
morena dark skinned woman
mulher woman
muzenza force of the orixás

não no
navalha old fashioned cut-throat/straight razor
negão big strong black man
nego/a black man/woman

o the
onça jaguar
outro other

79
Orixás gods of candomble

pai father
patuá amulet worn around the neck for protection against evil and injury
pé foot
peixe fish
profesor teacher

quilombo fugitive slave community

rabo tail
raça race, breed

sabedoria knowledge
sangue blood
santo saint
são saint
sem without
senzala slave house
sertão plains
seqüência series of movements learned by players in regional style
sim yes
sinal sign
sinhô/ã boss man/lady

terra land, earth

você you

xarél type of fish from Bahia


xererê another type of fish from Bahia

80
PLACES OF CAPOEIRA

Angola former Portuguese colony in the south west of Africa


Bahia state in the north east of Brazil, traditional home of capoeira
Belo Horizonte capital of Minas Gerais
Guinea former Portuguese colony in the west of Africa
Itabuna city in Bahia
Itapoã famous beach in Salvador
Luanda capital of Angola
Mercado Modelo famous market place in Salvador
Minas Gerais state in the east of Brazil where Grupo Bantus Capoeira was founded
Mozambique former Portuguese colony in the south east of Africa
Pelourinho the cross in the centre of Terreiro de Jesus, once used as a whipping post for slaves
Salvador capital of Bahia
Terreiro de Jesus historical centre of Salvador

INSTRUMENTS OF CAPOEIRA

agogô two toned african bell


arame wire string used for the berimbau
atabaque large straight sided wooden drum
baqueta stick used to strike the wire of the berimbau
beriba type of wood to make the berimbau
berimbau bowed instrument that controls the roda
cabaça resonating gourd attached to the berimbau
caixixí shaker or woven rattle played with the berimbau
dobrão old Brazlian coin used to play a berimbau often substitued with a rock
gunga the deepest toned berimbau
medio medium sized berimbau
palmas hand claps
pandeiro Brazilian tambourine
reco-reco ribbed bamboo scraper
viola the highest toned berimbau
verga main shaft of the berimbau
vintém an old coin

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RHYTHYMS OF CAPOEIRA
toques the various rhythms played by the berimbau, see below

Amazonas a rhythm rich in subtle melodic variations used at Batizados to welcome Mestres and
students from other groups
Angola slow rhythm played during the game of Angola
Banguela medium paced rhythm used for a calm game without physical contact, including floreios
Cavalaria developed to warn capoeiristas of arriving police, representing the sound of a galloping
horse
Idalina slow but strong rhythm used for a high, loose game that includes cintura desprezada or
use of the faca or facão
Iuna rhythm played for gradutated students allowing them to demonstrate capoeira skills, no
singing or palmas
São Bento Grande (de Angola) medium paced rhythm most often used in the roda
São Bento Grande de Regional/Bimba fast paced rhthym created by Mestre Bimba, based on São Bento Grande
Sao Bento Pequenho medium paced rhythm for a fast, agile game, also known as Angola Invertida
Santa Maria rhythm allowing students to demonstrate capoeira skills and reflexes, sometimes includes
the use of the navalha

Barravento trance like rhthym leading to spiritual possesion used in candomblé ceremonies
Maracatú rhythm and dance form from the north east of Brazil
Samba a lively Brazilian rhythm and dance often played after the roda of capoeira

Chula often sung or improvised before the ladainha or corrido, in praise of a specific person,
mestre or place
Corrido rapid call and response song
Ladainha narative song, sung at the start of the roda of capoeira angola
Quadra short ladainha composed of 4 - 6 lines sung in a call and response format

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GAMES OF CAPOEIRA

Angola slow, playful game played low to the ground, including specific rituals and techniques
Apanha laranja no chao tico-tico game in which the players use only their mouth to pick up an object off the ground, often
a bank note
Batuque violent game that inspired Mestre Bimba, Mestre Bimba's father was a champion of this
game
Benguela calm game without physical contact, combining elements of angola and regional,
including floreios
Contemporanea the modern form of capoeira, a modified version of regional
Regional a fast, loose game invented by Mestre Bimba

Samba de Roda danced within the circle of people, often after a game of capoeira
Samba Dura a rougher version of samba de roda, where the dancers force out other players in order
to dance with a member of the opposite sex
Maculele the game and dance played with sticks, or the faca or facão

MOVEMENTS OF CAPOEIRA

BASIC MOVEMENTS
Aú cartwheel
Base a low, horse-ridding-like stance with hands in front to protect your face
Ginga basic movement of capoeira which through continous motion allows an easy entrance to
either offensive or defensive action

GROUND MOVEMENTS
Eu ia defensive movement, similar to a negativa (see below)
Esquiva escape movement
Cocorinha squatting movement used to evade high kicks
Negativa variations on the cocorinha, with the upper body moving to the front, side or back
Troca changing sides while in the negativa
Rolé rotating from negativa to the base position

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ROUND KICKS
Meia-lua de frente outside to inside front crescent kick (half moon kick)
Meia-lua de compasso spinning heel kick with one hand on the ground
Rabo-de-arraia spinning heel kick with both hands on the ground
Armada spinning crescent kick
Queixada inside to outside crescent kick

FRONT KICKS
Benção front heel kick
Ponteira front snap kick with the ball of the foot
Joelhada knee strike
Escorão side kick
Chapiado spinning back kick
Martelo roundhouse kick
Gancho reverse hook kick

FLOREIOS
Pião-de-mão hand spin
Pião-de-cabeça head spin
Au Batido (Beija-flor) half cartwheel, with one hand on the ground
Queda-de-rins fall to ground, resting on one elbow into the kidneys
Macaco close to the ground back handspring
Xango back flip handspring
Mortal backwards somersault
Mortal de frente front somersault
Au sem mão cartwheel without hands
S-dobrado kicking from negativa into cartwheel
Martelo Cruzado armada going into a spinning martelo in the air
Parafuso similar to the martelo cruzado, landing on both feet
Armada Dupla (Envergado) similar to the parafuso, taking off and landing with both legs straight and parallel
Folha Seca similar to the mortal, with legs split
Relógio spinning on queda-de-rins like the hands of a clock
Aú Esquisito inverted aú with an open chest
Aú Cortado forward walkover
Macaco em Pe backward walkover
Raiz side walkover
Raiz sem mão side walkover without hands

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SWEEPS, TAKEDOWNS, GRAPPLING
Rasteira sweep
Banda hooking kick to the ankles. similar to rasteira
Vingativa shoulder tackle and hip throw takedown
Arrastão shoulder tackle and grapple takedown
Tesoura double leg scissor takedown
Tesoura de frente front scissor
Tesoura de costa back scissor
Montada mount position
Raspagem inverting the mount position using both legs
Guarda guard position on the floor
Triângulo triangle choke
Chave-de-braço arm lock

HAND STRIKES
Galopante open hand blow to the side of the head
Cotovelada elbow strike
Asfixciante/escala palm strike, similar to a jab
Dedo finger strike to the eyes
Direto hook
Gancho upper cut
Cruzado crossed hook
Mata-leão choking the opponent using both arms hooked into the opponent's head

HEAD STRIKE
Cabeçada head butt

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PORTUGUÊSE CHARACTERS FOR YOUR PC
In order to type in any of the various Portuguêse characters, make sure that the Num Lock key is turned on. Press and hold the left Alt key, and type the
character code using the Numerical Pad, the number pad on the right side of the keyboard:

Alt+0224 = à Alt+0192 = À Alt+0237 = í Alt+0205 = Í


Alt+0225 = á Alt+0193 = Á Alt+0243 = ó Alt+0244 = Ó
Alt+0226 = â Alt+0194 = Â Alt+0244 = ô Alt+0212 = Ô
Alt+0227 = ã Alt+0195 = Ã Alt+0245 = õ Alt+0213 = '
Alt+0231 = ç Alt+0199 = Ç Alt+0250 = ú Alt+0218 = Ú
Alt+0233 = é Alt+0201 = É Alt+0252 = ü Alt+0220 = Ü
Alt+0234 = ê Alt+0202 = Ê

Acknowledgement: This section is based on an article entitled Portugese for Capoeiristas written by
Instructor Caçapa (Marcello Pietrantonio).

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