Mais Que Nada
Manuel Granada Lyrics


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Oariá raiô
Obá Obá Obá
Oariá raiô
Obá Obá Obá.

Mais Que Nada
Sai da minha frente
Que eu quero passar
Pois o samba está animado
O que eu quero é sambar.

Este samba
Que é misto de maracatu
É samba de preto velho
Samba de preto tu.

Mais Que Nada
Um samba como esse tão legal




Você não vai querer
Que eu chegue no final.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Manuel Granada's "Mais Que Nada" are filled with cultural references to samba, maracatu, and black ancestry. The words "Oariá raiô" and "Obá Obá Obá" are repeated throughout the song, and are believed to be derived from the African Yoruba language, spoken in countries like Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. "Oariá raiô" roughly translates to "it's coming" or "it's happening", while "Obá Obá Obá" may mean nothing at all, but is often used in Brazilian Portuguese as a playful phrase or exclamation.


The main chorus of the song, "Mais Que Nada, sai da minha frente que eu quero passar", speaks to the energy of samba dancers, who are so focused on their steps and the music that nothing can get in their way. They are determined to keep dancing and celebrating, no matter what obstacles they face. The line "um samba como esse tão legal" can be interpreted as a statement of pride in the samba genre, which originated in Brazil in the late 19th century and has since become a symbol of the country's culture and heritage. By referencing maracatu, a rhythm from the northeastern region of Brazil that often features elaborate costumes and dancing, the song pays homage to the country's rich history and diverse traditions.


Line by Line Meaning

Oariá raiô
A joyful exclamation or chant with no distinct meaning.


Obá Obá Obá
Another exclamation of joy or enthusiasm.


Mais Que Nada
More than anything else.


Sai da minha frente
Get out of my way.


Que eu quero passar
So that I can pass through.


Pois o samba está animado
Because the samba is lively and exciting.


O que eu quero é sambar.
What I want is to dance samba.


Este samba
This samba.


Que é misto de maracatu
Which is a mixture of maracatu.


É samba de preto velho
Is a samba of black elders.


Samba de preto tu.
A samba that black people identify with.


Mais Que Nada
More than anything else.


Um samba como esse tão legal
A great samba like this one.


Você não vai querer
You won't want.


Que eu chegue no final.
Me to arrive at the end of it.




Contributed by Kaitlyn T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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