Joyce has in her baggage an extensive discography and about 400 recordings of her songs by some of the biggest names in Brazilian popular music, such as Gal Costa, Maria Bethânia, Elis Regina, Milton Nascimento, Ney Matogrosso, Edu Lobo, Emílio Santiago, Boca Livre, Mônica Salmaso, Leny Andrade, Nana Caymmi, Zizi Possi, Elizeth Cardoso, Simone and many others. Internationally, she has been recorded by big names like Annie Lennox, Wallace Roney, Omara Portuondo, Black Eyed Peas, David Sanchez, Jon Lucien, Claus Ogerman, Gerry Mulligan, Till Brönner, Flora Purim and others. Her compositions have been used in soundtracks for films (such as Robert Altman's "The Player" and "Legally Blonde"), animations (she participated in the soundtrack of the Japanese anime "Wolf's Rain" in partnership with Japanese composer Yoko Kanno), TV shows and theater performances.
She received 4 Latin Grammy nominations and has so far 34 individual CDs and 2 DVDs, besides compilations and participations. Currently, her work also follows an international path, with world tours every year and recordings of new albums in different countries, without ever losing her Brazilian-feminine identity. She performs annually on the Blue Note circuit in Japan, and in jazz festivals and tours in Europe, the United States, and Canada.
O Velhinho
Joyce Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Na janela do quintal
Papai Noel deixou
Meu presente de Natal
Como é que Papai Noel
Não se esquece de ninguém
Seja rico ou seja pobre
Seja rico ou seja pobre
O velhinho sempre vem
Botei meu sapatinho
Na janela do quintal
Papai Noel deixou
Meu presente de Natal
Como é que Papai Noel
Não se esquece de ninguém
Seja rico ou seja pobre
O velhinho sempre vem
Seja rico ou seja pobre
O velhinho sempre vem
The lyrics to "O Velhinho" describe the familiar childhood tradition of leaving a shoe by the window on Christmas Eve, in hopes that Santa Claus will come and leave presents. The song reflects on the wonder and magic of this tradition, noting that Santa never forgets anyone, rich or poor. The repeated lines "Seja rico ou seja pobre, o velhinho sempre vem" (Whether rich or poor, the old man always comes) emphasize that Christmas is a time for everyone to receive joy and gifts, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
The song also touches on the themes of nostalgia and memory, as the singer reflects on their childhood and the joy they experienced on Christmas mornings. The line "Como é que Papai Noel não se esquece de ninguém" (How does Santa Claus not forget anyone) speaks to the enduring power of childhood memories and the ways that they shape our understanding of the world.
Overall, "O Velhinho" is a sentimental and heartwarming ode to the magic of Christmas, and the hope and wonder that it brings to people of all ages.
Line by Line Meaning
Botei meu sapatinho
I put my little shoe
Na janela do quintal
On the backyard's window
Papai Noel deixou
Santa Claus left
Meu presente de Natal
My Christmas gift
Como é que Papai Noel
How does Santa Claus
Não se esquece de ninguém
Not forget anyone
Seja rico ou seja pobre
Whether rich or poor
O velhinho sempre vem
The little old man always comes
Seja rico ou seja pobre
Whether rich or poor
O velhinho sempre vem
The little old man always comes
Botei meu sapatinho
I put my little shoe
Na janela do quintal
On the backyard's window
Papai Noel deixou
Santa Claus left
Meu presente de Natal
My Christmas gift
Como é que Papai Noel
How does Santa Claus
Não se esquece de ninguém
Not forget anyone
Seja rico ou seja pobre
Whether rich or poor
O velhinho sempre vem
The little old man always comes
Seja rico ou seja pobre
Whether rich or poor
O velhinho sempre vem
The little old man always comes
Contributed by Tristan K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.