Alceu Valença (born July 1, 1946 in São Bento do Una, Pernambuco, Brazil) i… Read Full Bio ↴Alceu Valença (born July 1, 1946 in São Bento do Una, Pernambuco, Brazil) is a Brazilian composer, writer, performer, actor, and poet.

Alceu Valenca was born in countryside Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil. He is considered the most successful artist in achieving an aesthetic balance between traditional northeastern Brazilian music and a broad range of electronic sounds and effects from pop music. One can find traces of maracatu, coco and "repentes de viola" (improvising fast-paced Brazilian folk music) in most of his songs. Alceu was able to utilize the electric guitar the electric bass, and lately even a synthesizer was added to his broad scope of musical instruments.

Because of that, Alceu was able to recreate Northeastern traditional music, like baiao, coco, toada, maracatu, frevo, caboclinhos, embolada and repentes: all sung with a sometimes rock sometimes alternative sounding music background. His music and his themes are intangible, universal and unlimited. However, his aesthetic basis is genuinely Brazilian Northeastern music.

Valores Do Passado
Alceu Valença Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Bloco das Flores, Andaluzas, Cartomantes
Camponeses, Apôis Fum e o Bloco Um Dia Só
Os Corações Futuristas, Bobos em Folia
Pirilampos de Tejipió
A Flor da Magnólia
Lira do Charmion, Sem Rival
Jacarandá, a Madeira da Fé
Crisântemos Se Tem Bote e

Um Dia de Carnaval

Pavão Dourado, Camelo de Ouro e Bebé
Os Queridos Batutas da Boa Vista
E os Turunas de São José
Príncipe dos Príncipes brilhou

Lira da Noite também vibrou
E o Bloco da Saudade, assim recorda tudo que passou

Overall Meaning

The song "Valores Do Passado" by Alceu Valenca is an ode to the past and the traditions of carnival in Recife, Brazil. The lyrics mention different carnival groups, such as Bloco das Flores, Andaluzas, Cartomantes, Camponeses, Apôis Fum, and the Bloco Um Dia Só, which represent different communities within the city. The song also mentions the Futurist Hearts, Bobos em Folia, Pirilampos de Tejipio, and Flor da Magnólia, which are all carnival groups that have participated in the celebrations throughout the years.

Additionally, the lyrics mention other significant themes such as faith and culture. The Jacarandá tree, known as the "Madeira da Fé," represents the strong connection between faith and the roots of carnival. The Lira do Charmion and Sem Rival symbolize the competition between different carnival groups to showcase their talents and skills. Moreover, the song highlights the importance of nostalgia and remembrance, with the Bloco da Saudade commemorating and cherishing the memories of the past.

Overall, “Valores Do Passado” praises the diversity and richness of cultural traditions and expressions. Through the different carnival groups and references to faith and history, the song celebrates the values and legacies that have been passed down through generations.

Line by Line Meaning

Bloco das Flores, Andaluzas, Cartomantes
Referencing the famous carnival groups that were known for their beautiful flower arrangements and Spanish-inspired costumes, as well as fortune tellers who would read one's future through tarot cards.

Camponeses, Apôis Fum e o Bloco Um Dia Só
Mentioning the peasant group, Apôis Fum, and a carnival group that only paraded for one day.

Os Corações Futuristas, Bobos em Folia
Describing the futuristic themed carnival group, Corações Futuristas, along with the Bobos em Folia who were known for their clown-inspired makeup and costumes.

Pirilampos de Tejipió
Referring to the carnival group Pirilampos de Tejipió, which translates to fireflies of Tejipió, a neighborhood in Recife, Brazil.

A Flor da Magnólia
Mentioning a specific carnival group, A Flor da Magnólia, known for their colorful and artistic displays of magnolia flowers.

Lira do Charmion, Sem Rival
Recognizing the musical group Lira do Charmion for their unmatched talent and skill.

Jacarandá, a Madeira da Fé
Highlighting the importance of the wood from the Jacarandá tree in creating the musical instruments used in carnival festivities, and symbolically linking it to faith.

Crisântemos Se Tem Bote e
Referencing the carnival group Crisântemos, known for their festive boats and displays during carnival season.

Um Dia de Carnaval
Ending the first section with a simple statement, referencing the importance of carnival and all of its festivities.

Pavão Dourado, Camelo de Ouro e Bebé
Mentioning legendary carnival groups known for their ornate and extravagant costumes, including the Golden Peacock, Golden Camel and Bebé, a group known for their childlike innocence and joy.

Os Queridos Batutas da Boa Vista
Recognizing a carnival group that was loved by many, the Batutas da Boa Vista, known for their high energy and lively music.

E os Turunas de São José
Mentioning the Turunas de São José, a carnival group known for their humorous and satirical themes.

Príncipe dos Príncipes brilhou
Recognizing the carnival group Príncipe dos Príncipes for their outstanding display and performance during carnival season.

Lira da Noite também vibrou
Acknowledging the musical group Lira da Noite for their contribution to the atmosphere and excitement of carnival festivities.

E o Bloco da Saudade, assim recorda tudo que passou
Ending the song with a reflective tone, recognizing the Block of Nostalgia as a way to remember the traditions and memories of the past carnival seasons.

Contributed by Josiah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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TRACKS