Joyce Silveira Moreno (born January 31, 1948 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), be… Read Full Bio ↴Joyce Silveira Moreno (born January 31, 1948 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), best known as Joyce or Joyce Moreno, is a Brazilian singer, composer, acoustic guitarist, arranger and producer. Her trademark was, since the beginning of her career, the feminine language in the first person, in which she was a pioneer: she was the first female Brazilian composer to express herself this way in the history of MPB, paving the way for countless other female composers who would follow.

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.

Samba Pra Elis
Joyce Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Clarão
Luar
Vulcão
No vesgo do seu olhar
Quem vê
Não diz
Quem é
Elis,

Essa mulher.

Mourão
Pilar
Brasão
Da música popular
Quem viu
Bendiz
A voz
De Elis,
Essa mulher.

É uma santa garganta que Deus fez
E quando ouviu, não quis nem copiar
Raio de luz que passa uma só vez
Mas que deixa um sagrado som no ar
Não tem mais nem pra nós nem pra vocês
Essa voz que o Brasil amou demais

Feito estrela voltou pro céu talvez
Ou foi cantar pros Orixás.

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Joyce's song Samba Pra Elis, Clarão, Luar, and Vulcão, set an enchanting mood for the audience. The words evoke awe and respect through a beautiful representation of the essence of Elis Regina's gaze. The lyrics bring out the idea that it is impossible to fathom Elis Regina's depth and mystery, even through her eyes. Joyce has skillfully presented Elis as a woman who possesses a magnetic appeal, leaving those who behold her lost for words, staring in wonderment. The song's mood captures both the magnetism and celebrity of Elis's existence, as well as her enigmatic aura. The lines "Mourão, Pilar, Brasão, Da música Popular" directly implied that Elis Regina was a monument of Brazilian Music. Those who witnessed her performances carry her in their hearts and memories, forever praising her powerful voice and unique singing style. The last verse of the song metaphorically presents Elis Regina as a divine voice, leaving an immortal impression on the world. This ending raises a notion that even in death, her voice continues to enchant and captivate her listeners.

Overall, Samba Pra Elis is an excellent tribute to a legendary artiste. The lyrics capture her essence, personality, and voice, her enigmatic mystique that made her a phenomenon in Brazil and the world. Joyce has summoned the spirit of Elis Regina, infusing it into every word, every line, and even the cadence of the song, creating a monument-like tribute to this great artiste.

Line by Line Meaning

Clarão
Bright light

Luar
Moonlight

Vulcão
Volcano

No vesgo do seu olhar
In the squint of her eye

Quem vê
Who can see

Não diz
Doesn't say

Quem é
Who she is

Elis,
Elis,

Essa mulher.
This woman.

Mourão
Picket fence

Pilar
Pillar