Bonga abandoned athletics in 1972, concentrating solely on his music. He has released over 30 albums, singing in Portuguese and traditional Angolan languages. His tracks are a mixture of Portuguese-language folk songs, semba, kizomba and latin elements.
While Angola was still a Portuguese colony, Bonga was an outspoken supporter of independence. This led him to be exiled from Angola in the early 1970s. It was during this time that he launched his first album, Angola 72.
De Maos a Abanar
Bonga Lyrics
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Fazendo beicinho pra gente lhe dar
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Que me dá, também lhe dou
Quem não me dá, também não lhe dou
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Lua cheia me inspira no canto
De mãos estendidas vou agradecer
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Camundongo já não bate palmas
Desliza no dongo e não pode remar
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Um calor a chegar de mansinho
Fazendo beicinho pra gente lhe dar
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Que me dá, também lhe dou
Quem não me dá, também não lhe dou
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Lua cheia me inspira no canto
De mãos estendidas vou agradecer
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Camundongo já não bate palmas
Desliza no dongo e não pode remar
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Nas palmas, das palmas das palmeiras (Awé)
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
The lyrics to Bonga's song "De Maos a Abanar" speak to the idea of offering something in order to receive something in return. The opening lines suggest a feeling of anticipation and longing, as a heat approaches and seems to beg for attention. The repetition of the phrase "com as mãos a abanar" (with hands waving) serves to reinforce the idea of giving something in order to receive something back. This idea is furthered with the lines "que me dá, também lhe dou" (what you give me, I'll also give to you), emphasizing the reciprocity of offering and receiving.
The song then takes a turn with the introduction of the full moon, which inspires the singer to offer thanks with outstretched hands. The final verse introduces the image of a mouse who can no longer clap his hands, but instead must slide and cannot row. This image speaks to the idea that circumstances can change, and what was once possible may no longer be an option. The song ends with a repetition of the phrase "nas palmas, das palmas, das palmeiras," suggesting that the act of waving one's hands may be similar to the movement of palm trees swaying in the breeze.
Overall, the song appears to be both a celebration of giving and receiving, as well as a recognition of the changing tides and circumstances of life. The lyrics are relatively simple, but the repetition of certain phrases and the use of imagery serve to create a sense of rhythm and meaning throughout.
Line by Line Meaning
Um calor a chegar de mansinho
Fazendo beicinho pra gente lhe dar
A warm feeling approaching gradually, as if pleading for us to acknowledge it
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
Com as mãos a abanar, aí, aí
With empty hands, feeling frustrated and helpless
Que me dá, também lhe dou
Quem não me dá, também não lhe dou
I share in return what I receive, but not from those who do not reciprocate
Lua cheia me inspira no canto
De mãos estendidas vou agradecer
The full moon inspires me to sing and give thanks with open hands
Camundongo já não bate palmas
Desliza no dongo e não pode remar
The mouse can no longer applaud, and struggles to paddle in the current
Nas palmas, das palmas das palmeiras (Awé)
In the clapping of the palm trees (Awé)
Writer(s): Jose Adelino Barcelo De Carvalho
Contributed by Jordyn J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
AsYou
on Muadiakime
I'm looking for the translation, even in Portuguese, but ... Useless. So I've decided to study kimbundo. I'm just getting started.
Josselin Tonnel
on Kambuà
Hello, I'm french and I would to get the lyrics of this song and its translation in english if it isn't too much to ask it !!! Thank a lot for your support !!!