Lisboa Nao Sejas Francesca
Amália Rodrigues Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Menina, Lisboa,
Portugal é meigo às vezes
Mas certas coisas não perdoa
Vê-te bem no espelho
Desse honrado velho
Que o seu belo exemplo atrai
Vai, segue o seu leal conselho
Lisboa não sejas francesa
Com toda a certeza
Não vais ser feliz
Lisboa, que ideia daninha
Vaidosa, alfacinha,
Casar com Paris
Lisboa, tens cá namorados
Que dizem, coitados,
Com as almas na voz
Lisboa, não sejas francesa
Tu és portuguesa
Tu és só pra nós
Tens amor às lindas fardas
Menina, Lisboa,
Vê lá bem pra quem te guardas
Donzela sem recato, enjoa
Tens aí tenentes,
Bravos e valentes,
Nados e criados cá,
Vá, tenha modos mais decentes
Menina caprichosa e má
Lisboa não sejas francesa
The lyrics to Amália Rodrigues's song Lisboa Nao Sejas Francesca are a warning to the city of Lisbon not to fall for the allure of France and its people. The song addresses a young woman in Lisbon, advising her not to fall in love with Frenchmen, as Portugal can be a forgiving country, but certain things will not be forgiven. The song references an honorable old man who serves as an exemplary figure, whose advice should be followed. The old man represents traditional Portuguese values and serves as a reminder that the young woman should not cause disappointment to her father.
The song suggests that Lisbon should not try to emulate France and its lifestyle, as this will not lead to true happiness. It states that Lisbon has its own unique culture and traditions, and marrying into the French way of life will not be fulfilling. The song acknowledges that Lisbon has its own suitors, brave and valiant men who are passionate and dedicated to their city, and advises the young woman to choose from among them instead of being swayed by the charms of France.
Overall, the song reinforces the importance of cultural identity and staying true to one's roots, while cautioning against the dangers of trying to imitate another culture.
Line by Line Meaning
Não namores os franceses
Don't fall in love with the French
Menina, Lisboa,
Girl, Lisbon,
Portugal é meigo às vezes
Portugal can be gentle sometimes
Mas certas coisas não perdoa
But some things it doesn't forgive
Vê-te bem no espelho
Look at yourself in the mirror
Desse honrado velho
Of that honorable old man
Que o seu belo exemplo atrai
Whose beautiful example attracts
Vai, segue o seu leal conselho
Go, follow his loyal advice
Não dês desgostos ao teu pai
Don't upset your father
Lisboa não sejas francesa
Lisbon, don't be French
Com toda a certeza
Without a doubt
Não vais ser feliz
You won't be happy
Lisboa, que ideia daninha
Lisbon, what a harmful idea
Vaidosa, alfacinha,
Vain, Lisbon (slang term)
Casar com Paris
Marrying Paris
Lisboa, tens cá namorados
Lisbon, you have suitors here
Que dizem, coitados,
Who say, poor things,
Com as almas na voz
With their souls in their voice
Lisboa, não sejas francesa
Lisbon, don't be French
Tu és portuguesa
You are Portuguese
Tu és só pra nós
You are only for us
Tens amor às lindas fardas
You love beautiful uniforms
Menina, Lisboa,
Girl, Lisbon,
Vê lá bem pra quem te guardas
Watch who you keep yourself for
Donzela sem recato, enjoa
A maiden without modesty becomes tiresome
Tens aí tenentes,
You have lieutenants here,
Bravos e valentes,
Brave and valiant,
Nados e criados cá,
Born and raised here,
Vá, tenha modos mais decentes
Come on, have more decent ways
Menina caprichosa e má
Capricious and bad-tempered girl
Contributed by Bailey D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.