Alcione (Alcione Nazaré, São Luís, Maranhão, November 21, 1947) also known … Read Full Bio ↴Alcione (Alcione Nazaré, São Luís, Maranhão, November 21, 1947) also known as Marrom (brownie) is one of the most successful female sambists in Brazil who first claimed international recognition in the late 1970s, and has had 19 gold records and two platinum records.

Alcione was introduced to the traditional Brazilian music by her father. He was a military musician who worked as the conductor of the corps marching band. At the age of thirteen, she was already able to give vocal performance in college parties. At this same age, she began to study clarinet, and then learnt to play the trumpet.

At age 20 Alcione moved to Rio de Janeiro. There she worked at the city's TV Excelsior, and later went on tour in Argentina and Chile for four months. On returning to Brazil, she settled in São Paulo, working in nightclub and making appearances on television. In 1970, she started her two-year tour in Europe, performing as a vocalist and a trumpet artist.

In 1972, when back to Brazil, Alcione recorded her first single. The following year, she traveled to sing in Mexico and, in 1974, Portugal, where she recorded her first full-length album. In 1975 Alcione released her LP, A Voz do Samba, which achieved gold sales status and featured several hit tracks. The most successful songs were Não Deixe o Samba Morrer, written by Edson and Aloiso, and O Surdo, written by Totonho/Paulinho Resende.

In the late 1970s, Nazaré became well-known as a samba artist and achieved international recognition. She recorded Alerta Geral for Philips Records and, in 1978, released this album, the title of which was taken from a television show that Alcione had hosted on TV Globo for two years. Following its success, Alcione continued to release several other full-length albums in late 1970s and early 1980s, including her self-titled album.

In 1997, Alcione signed with Universal Records, subsequently releasing a label debut named Valeu, through Polygram the next year. This was followed by Celebração that same year, and Claridade---Uma Homenagem A Clara Nunes in 1999. In December 2002 Alcione was recognized for playing an important part in founding the Paraíso School of Samba in London, England. She also helped organizing and preparing the stage for a British version of the Carnival Brasil, Paraíso dos Orixás (Brazil, Paradise of the Gods). In 2003, her 2002 album, Ao Vivo, received the Best Samba/Pagode Album Award at fourth Latin Grammy Award ceremony.

She has interpreted several hits such as Não deixe o samba morrer, Lá vem você, Gostoso veneno and Ilha da maré.

On July 7, 2007 she performed at the Brazilian leg of Live Earth in Rio de Janeiro.

Palavra De Mulher
Alcione Lyrics

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Eu vou cantar a vida inteira
Pra sempre mangueira,
Tem que respeitar!
Eu vou cantar a vida inteira
Mulher brasileira em primeiro lugar

Oh, divina dama!
Em cada alvorada te agradeço

As maravilhas do meu tempo de criança
E o orgulho que eu sinto deste chão...
Cercado pelo verde da esperança
Vovó guiava minha imaginação
Descendo o morro entre becos e vielas
Vejo a primavera desabrochar
Um mar de rosas perfumando a passarela
Deixa a mangueira passar

Ora yê yê... vem, menininha!
Entra na roda, quero ver você girar
Ê ê girar baiana gira
A mãe do samba dança pro seu orixá

É tão bom ouvir as pastorinhas
Ao som de doces melodias
E as estrelas da nossa canção
Linda... na beleza tem poesia
A rainha veste a magia
Das flores em nossa estação
Brilha a porta estandarte
Revelando toda arte

Num bailar que não tem fim
Desperta, amor!
Pra ver a neuma na avenida
O povo aplaude dona zica
Sagrado verde e rosa nessa história
Glória a essas divas tão guerreiras

A nossa maria não é brincadeira
É raça, é fibra, é jequitibá!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Alcione's song "Palavra De Mulher" celebrate the strength, beauty, and resilience of Brazilian women. The singer expresses her commitment to singing about the richness of life, always honoring the mangueira (a type of tree) and emphasizing the importance of respecting women. The phrase "Mulher brasileira em primeiro lugar" directly translates to "Brazilian woman in first place," highlighting the singer's pride and admiration for the women of her country.

The song pays tribute to feminine figures, portraying them as divine and essential parts of life. The reference to childhood memories and the gratitude expressed towards the dawn symbolize a deep appreciation for the nurturing and guidance provided by women throughout one's life journey. The imagery of being surrounded by the "verde da esperança" (green of hope) and memories of the grandmother nurturing the imagination of the singer create a nostalgic and tender atmosphere.

The lyrics continue to paint a vivid picture of Brazilian culture and traditions, referencing the vibrant colors of the mangueira tree, the beauty of springtime, and the joy of community celebrations. The mention of the samba dance, the influence of African heritage (through the mention of orixá), and the poetic description of a "mar de rosas" (sea of roses) highlight the richness and diversity of Brazilian artistic and cultural expressions.

As the song progresses, it celebrates the music and artistry of Brazilian women, particularly those involved in the samba scene. The imagery of pastorinhas (female singers in Brazilian folklore), the elegance of the carnival parade, and the reference to iconic figures like Dona Zica and Maria convey a sense of admiration and respect for the contributions of women to the cultural heritage of Brazil. The final lines exalt the strength and determination of these women, using metaphors like "é raça, é fibra, é jequitibá" to emphasize their resilience and unwavering spirit. Overall, the lyrics of "Palavra De Mulher" exalt the power and beauty of Brazilian women, celebrating their legacy and significance in shaping the cultural landscape of the country.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Deivid Domênico, Renan Brandao

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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