João E Maria
Cria de Ogum Lyrics

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Meu pai foi quimbandeiro
Minha mãe da quimbanda era
Quando morreram fui nos dois enterros
De olhos fechados acendi uma vela

Fiz um pedido para as almas descer
Para um lugar aonde eu desconhecia
O único pedido do meu pai João

O último adeus da minha mãe Maria

O único pedido do meu pai João
O último adeus da minha mãe Maria
Quando eu me fui ainda era novo
Se fosse vivo não acreditaria

Reencontrei meu pai como João Caveira
E a finada da minha mãe
Como Maria Padilha

Se o mundo é pequeno daqui
Do outro lado encontrei minha família
Acende um toco de vela
Que é vermelho e preto

Salve João caveira e Maria Padilha
João caveira e Maria Padilha

João caveira e Maria Padilha

Overall Meaning

The song "João e Maria" by Cria de Ogum delves into themes of spirituality, ancestry, and the afterlife. The opening lines establish the singer's background, stating that their father was a "quimbandeiro" (a practitioner of Afro-Brazilian religion that combines African, Indigenous, and Catholic beliefs) and their mother was also involved in spiritual practices. The singer reveals that they attended the funerals of both parents, and during these ceremonies, they closed their eyes and lit a candle, symbolizing their connection to the spiritual realm.

The next lines indicate that the singer made a request for the souls to descend to an unknown place. This shows their willingness to explore a world beyond what they currently comprehend. They mention that their father João had only one request, which was the final farewell from their mother Maria. This implies that their father's wish was to reunite with their mother in the afterlife.

The following lyrics express the singer's surprise at leaving at a young age and the irony that, if their father were alive, he wouldn't believe the path their life has taken. It suggests that the singer has encountered their father again, but in a spiritual form known as "João Caveira," and their deceased mother as "Maria Padilha." These names refer to specific entities or spirits within quimbanda and other Afro-Brazilian religious practices. It signifies that the singer has reunited with their parents, albeit in different forms.

The final lines touch upon the singer's perspective from the other side, suggesting that they have found their family in this new realm. They instruct the listener to light a red and black candle, colors associated with quimbanda deities, "João Caveira" and "Maria Padilha." This signifies respect and homage to these spirits. The repetition of "João Caveira and Maria Padilha" serves as a prayer or invocation, calling upon these spirits for guidance and protection.

Overall, the lyrics of "João e Maria" evoke a journey of spiritual exploration, the unity of family beyond death, and the connection between the physical and spiritual realms. It celebrates and embraces the Afro-Brazilian religious traditions, honoring the ancestors and seeking their guidance in the present and beyond.

Line by Line Meaning

Meu pai foi quimbandeiro
My father practiced quimbanda

Minha mãe da quimbanda era
My mother was also a practitioner of quimbanda

Quando morreram fui nos dois enterros
When they died, I attended both funerals

De olhos fechados acendi uma vela
With closed eyes, I lit a candle

Fiz um pedido para as almas descer
I made a request for the souls to descend

Para um lugar aonde eu desconhecia
To a place I did not know

O único pedido do meu pai João
My father João's only request

O último adeus da minha mãe Maria
The final farewell of my mother Maria

Quando eu me fui ainda era novo
When I left, I was still young

Se fosse vivo não acreditaria
If he were alive, he wouldn't believe it

Reencontrei meu pai como João Caveira
I reunited with my father as João Caveira