From 1972 until 1975, when this record was made, Santiago’s main gig was as ‘crooner’ in Ed Lincoln’s Orchestra. As Lincoln’s long time friend and cohort, it was obvious that Durval Ferreira, (in his capacity as Artistic Director at CID) would be one of the first to recognise the extraordinary talent of the young singer; thus Ferreira signed a deal with Santiago to make this album, supported by absolutely the best players and arrangers, and singing songs by Brazil’s best composers. ‘Emilio Santiago’ is one of the jewels in the crown of the CID catalogue. whatmusic.com is very proud to present Santiago’s classic, reissued in its original form for the first time.
Nega
Emílio Santiago Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Segura no pé dessa nêga
E o asfalto precisa do pé dessa nêga
Pra sambar na avenida do seu coração
Nêga
Segura no pé dessa nêga (Nega)
E o asfalto precisa do pé dessa nêga (Nega)
Nêga
Seu gingado me devora
Nêga
Me consome, me apavora
Nêga
Minha ala é o teu sorriso
Nêga
Meu enredo é o teu olhar
Eu vou lhe dar uma sandália bordada
De amor e carinho e fazer do meu pranto
O teu vestido
Depois pedir pra fazer do meu corpo
O teu porta estandarte
Vencer o desfile do amor
Eu vou lhe dar uma sandália bordada
De amor e carinho e fazer do meu pranto
O teu vestido
Depois pedir pra fazer do meu corpo
O seu porta estandarte
Vencer o desfile do amor
Nêga (Nega)
Segura no pé dessa (nega)
E o asfalto precisa do pé dessa nêga (Nega)
Pra sambar na avenida do seu coração
Nêga (Nega)
Segura no pé dessa (nega)
E o asfalto precisa do pé dessa (nega)
Pra sambar na avenida do seu coração
Nêga
Seu gingado me devora
Nêga
Me consome, me apavora
Nêga
Minha ala é o teu sorriso
Nêga
Meu enredo é o teu olhar
Eu vou lhe dar uma sandália bordada
De amor e carinho e fazer do meu pranto
O teu vestido
Depois pedir pra fazer com meu corpo
O seu porta estandarte
Vencer o desfile do amor
Eu vou, eu vou, eu vou, eu
Eu vou lhe dar uma sandália bordada
De amor e carinho e fazer do meu pranto
O teu vestido
Depois pedir pra fazer do meu corpo
O seu porta estandarte
Vencer o desfile do amor
Eu vou, eu vou, eu vou, eu vou
Eu vou lhe dar, é
De amor e carinho e fazer do meu pranto
O teu vestido
Depois pedir pra fazer do meu corpo
O seu porta estandarte
Vencer o desfile do amor
Eu vou, eu vou, eu vou, eu vou...
The lyrics of Emílio Santiago's song "Nega" in English translate to "Hold onto the foot of this black woman, and the asphalt needs the foot of this black woman to samba on the avenue of your heart... Your swaying devours me, consumes and terrifies me. My section is your smile, my plot is your gaze." Santiago's lyrics express his admiration for the black woman and the way she moves, highlighting the importance of her presence in the samba world. He speaks of giving her a embroidered sandal of love and asking her to make his body her "porta estandarte" or standard-bearer, to win the parade of love.
The lyrics of "Nega" symbolize a love for black women not only in a romantic sense but also in a cultural sense. By emphasizing the importance of the black woman's foot in samba and expressing admiration for her swaying movements, Santiago is celebrating the African roots of Brazilian culture. The lyrics of the song also emphasize the idea of unity and partnership, as Santiago speaks of working together to win the parade of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Nêga
This is a term of endearment used to refer to a Black woman.
Segura no pé dessa nêga
Hold on to the feet of this Black woman as she dances, showing off her unique movements and rhythm.
E o asfalto precisa do pé dessa nêga, Pra sambar na avenida do seu coração
The Black woman's steps are necessary for a good samba on the street of the singer's heart.
Seu gingado me devora
The way this Black woman moves her body captivates and consumes the singer.
Me consome, me apavora
The intensity of his attraction to her is overwhelming and frightens him.
Minha ala é o teu sorriso, Meu enredo é o teu olhar
The singer's group of supporters is the Black woman's smile, and his story is told through the expression in her eyes.
Eu vou lhe dar uma sandália bordada, De amor e carinho e fazer do meu pranto O teu vestido
The singer will give the Black woman a precious and carefully crafted gift of love, and he wishes to turn his tears into her dress.
Depois pedir pra fazer do meu corpo O seu porta estandarte Vencer o desfile do amor
He then asks her to make his body her banner and together, win the parade of love.
Writer(s): Veve Calazans
Contributed by John V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.