É Hoje
Dudu Nobre Lyrics
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E ancorou na passarela
Fez um desembarque fascinante
No maior show da terra
Será que eu serei o dono dessa festa
Um rei no meio de uma gente
tão modesta
Eu vim descendo a serra
O mundo inteiro espera
Hoje é dia do riso chorar
Levei o meu samba
Pra mãe-de-santo rezar
Contra o mau olhado
Carrego o meu Patuá
Acredito ser o mais valente
Nessa luta do rochedo com o mar
É hoje o dia da alegria e a tristeza
Nem pode pensar em chegar
Diga espelho meu
Se há na avenida
Alguém mais feliz que eu
These lyrics are from Dudu Nobre's classic samba song "É Hoje," which translates to "Today is the Day." It starts with the singer describing how his joy has traveled across the sea and landed on the samba parade stage, making a grand appearance at the biggest show on earth. He wonders if he will be the king of the celebration amongst the humble people who will also be parading. He expresses his excitement at coming down the mountain, fully prepared to participate, and mentions that the entire world is eagerly waiting for this day to come, to rejoice and shed tears of happiness.
The second verse mentions how the singer took his samba to his mother of saint to pray against the evil eye and how he carries a Patuá, a protective amulet that is common in Afro-Brazilian religions. He believes himself to be the most courageous in a fight between a rock and the sea, symbolizing the allegory of commitment and resilience that the samba schools have with their community. In the chorus, he asks his mirror if there is anyone happier than he is on the avenue, emphasizing his joy and pride in participating in such a grand celebration.
The song reflects the joyous atmosphere and competitive spirit of the Rio Carnival. The lyrics are a beautiful representation of the samba schools' beliefs, values, and traditions; playing against rivals, wearing the colors and symbols of their communities, and emphasizing the importance of ancestral rituals as a source of protection and empowerment. The song has been covered by many artists and is widely regarded as one of the greatest samba songs of all time.
Line by Line Meaning
A minha alegria atravessou o mar
My happiness crossed the sea
E ancorou na passarela
And anchored on the catwalk
Fez um desembarque fascinante
Made a fascinating disembarkation
No maior show da terra
In the greatest show on earth
Será que eu serei o dono dessa festa
Will I be the owner of this party?
Um rei no meio de uma gente tão modesta
A king among such humble people
Eu vim descendo a serra
I came down the mountain
Cheio de euforia para desfilar
Full of euphoria to parade
O mundo inteiro espera
The whole world is waiting
Hoje é dia do riso chorar
Today is the day for laughter to cry
Levei o meu samba
I brought my samba
Pra mãe-de-santo rezar
For the mother of the saint to pray
Contra o mau olhado
Against the evil eye
Carrego o meu Patuá
I carry my amulet
Acredito ser o mais valente
I believe to be the most brave
Nessa luta do rochedo com o mar
In this fight between the rock and the sea
É hoje o dia da alegria e a tristeza
Today is the day of happiness and sadness
Nem pode pensar em chegar
Cannot even think of arriving
Diga espelho meu
Mirror, tell me
Se há na avenida
If there is on the avenue
Alguém mais feliz que eu
Someone happier than me
Contributed by Lucas Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.