March 23, 2010

Brazilian Musical Interlude: Asa Branca

Since we had a novelty version of Asa Branca a couple weeks ago, I thought I would include the original, sung by the inimitable Luíz Gonzaga, O Gonzagão.

The song expresses the sadness of the rural northeasterner as he is forced to leave his homeland (sertão) because of the drought. Here is my rough translation of the lyrics:

When I saw the land burning
Like a St. John's Day bonfire,
I asked God in Heaven, Oh,
Why so much judgement?

What a stove, what an oven,
You can't even put one foot down without burning it.
Because of lack of water I lost my cattle,
And my stallion died of thirst.

Even the white wing,
Flapped it's wings and left the hinterland.
And so I said "Goodbye, Rosinha,
Keep my heart with you."

"When the green of your eyes
Spreads across the plantation
I assure you, don't cry,
That I will return, my heart."

Today many leagues away,
In a sad loneliness
I wait for rain to fall again,
So I can return to the hinterlands.

Talk back to the missionary: This song has become somewhat of an anthem for this region of Brazil. What song reflects the area you live, and why? Share the music in the comments section.

Posted by Andrew on March 23, 2010 3:05 PM.