Angola
Cesária Évora Lyrics


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Ess vida sabe qu'nhôs ta vivê
Parodia dia e note manché
Sem maca ma cu sabura
Angola angola
Oi qu'povo sabe
Ami nhos ca ta matá-me
'M bem cu hora pa'me ba nha caminho
Ess convivência dess nhôs vivência
Paciência dum consequência




Resistência dum estravagância

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Cesária Évora's "Angola" are an ode to the resilience and strength of the Angolan people despite their struggles. The opening line "Ess vida sabe qu'nhôs ta vivê" (this life knows how we live) suggests that life is tough for the Angolans, but they have learned how to survive and thrive despite the challenges. The chorus repeats the word "Angola" as a recurring motif, perhaps indicating the deep connection the singer feels to her homeland.


The second verse "Oi qu'povo sabe" (oh, how the people know) highlights the singer's admiration for the Angolan people's collective spirit and unity. She acknowledges that they won't betray her or kill her, perhaps a testament to the trust and solidarity that is necessary in a society where basic safety and security may not be guaranteed.


The final verse "Ess convivência dess nhôs vivência, paciência dum consequência, resistência dum estravagância" (the coexistence of our lives, patience as a consequence, resistance as a extravagance) suggests that despite the difficulties, the Angolan people persevere and continue to live their lives with dignity, patience and strength. The use of contrasting words such as "resistance" and "extravagance" highlights the complexity and nuance of the Angolan experience, where the struggle against oppression and injustice is interwoven with colorful and vibrant cultural expressions.


Line by Line Meaning

Ess vida sabe qu'nhôs ta vivê
This life knows how we live


Parodia dia e note manché
Jokes during the day and tears at night


Sem maca ma cu sabura
Without a knife, but with wisdom


Angola, Angola
Angola, Angola


Oi qu'povo sabe
Oh, how the people know


Ami nhos ca ta matá-me
I won't let you kill me


'M bem cu hora pa'me ba nha caminho
But it's time for me to go my way


Ess convivência dess nhôs vivência
This coexistence is your way of life


Paciência dum consequência
Patience is a consequence


Resistência dum estravagância
Resistance is an extravagance




Contributed by Max K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@jameskinuthiamunene6356

Channel O on KTN Kenya back in 2001 introduced me to this track, still loving it

@bangaleekonneh2130

I First Listened To This Song On A Plane (Air Turkey) On My Way From TURKEY🇹🇷 To COLOMBIA 🇨🇴… Eversince It Had Been Stuck In My Head 😢❤…

I Really Don’t Understand A Single Word In This Song But I LOVE IT SO MUCH 😭💯💯

@silvaramalho4511

Rip Legend caboverdiana un abraco da Italia obrigada raiha 🇨🇻🇨🇻🇨🇻💕💕🇮🇹🙏💐❤️

@kgosimojatau1339

Beautiful music! Rest in Peace Mama Cesario!!

@lydiajm7075

This woman inspires, soothes, and brightens my spirit with her melodious, soulful sound. What an incredible singer and woman. <3

@MarciaFerreira-tv7cl

Voz maravilhosa 🎶

@alfredobolano9597

Vivi en Angola por muchos tiempo..soy Colombiano

@claudiamessiah8227

Oh Miss Evora may God rest your soul! You r missed to the utmost!

@bnkundwa

O lindo Cabo Verde

@iago_c

Que maravilla cuando descubres una cancion/artista como esta

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