Mas Que Nada
Elza Soares Lyrics

The opening lines of Elza Soares's "Mas Que Nada" illustrate a groovy vibe that sets the tone for the entire song. "Oariá raiô," in particular, is an Afro-Brazilian phrase that means "may the gods shine their light on us." This line serves as a soulful invocation, a prayer that essentially sets the mood for the rest of the piece. "Obá Obá Obá" is another line that appears at the start of the song, and it can be interpreted as an homage to joy and wildness.

The rest of the song's lyrics revolve around samba, a lively and rhythmic Brazilian dance that is often mixed with African drumming styles such as maracatu. In this sense, samba itself becomes a character in the song, an entity that the singer of the piece longs to engage with. It's as if the musician wants to be carried away by the beat of the music and all of the cultural baggage that comes along with it. The line "Mas que nada," which means "but above all else," conveys this sentiment, highlighting the importance of samba over all other elements. Ultimately, the song becomes a joyous celebration of Brazilian culture and music, a testament to the power of rhythms and beats in bringing people together.