When she was two years old, Maria Creuza moved with her family to El Salvador. As a teenager, she excelled as the singer of the group "Girls", which earned her an invitation to perform on radio programs. She recorded songs in English after being hired by a local label
In 1966, Creuza performed the song "Se Não Houvesse Maria" (composed by Antônio Carlos Pinto) at the festival "O Brasil Canta" ("Brazil Sings", from the now-defunct TV Excelsior). The following year, she sang "Festa no Terreiro de Alaketu" (also by Antônio Carlos) in the "III Festival de Música Popular Brasileira" (TV Record). That same year, she recorded the song and released a single that also included "Abolition" (Antônio Carlos). In 1969, the song "Mirante" (by Aldir Blanc and César Costa Filho) led to Creuza winning a first place award for Best Performer and third place in the "IV Festival Universitário Popular Song" in Rio de Janeiro. That year, Creuza performed "Catendê" (Antônio Carlos and Jocafi) in the "V Festival of Brazilian Popular Music" (TV Record).
In 1970, Creuza was invited by Vinícius de Moraes to join him for a tour of Uruguay (Punta del Este, with Dorival Caymmi) and Argentina (Mar del Plata, with Toquinho). While in Argentina, Crueze, de Moraes, and Toquinho recorded the album "Vinícius En La Fusa com Maria Creuza e Toquinho", which is considered to be one of the best LPs of live Brazilian music.
Saudade da Bahia
Maria Creuza Lyrics
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ai, se eu escutasse o que mamãe dizia
bem não vá deixar a sua mãe aflita
a gente faz o que o coração dita
pois este mundo é cheio de maldade e ilusão
ai, se eu escutasse hoje eu não sofria
ai, esta saudade dentro do meu peito
ah, se ter saudade é ter algum defeito
de ter alguém com quem eu possa me confessar
ponha-se no meu lugar
e veja como sofre um pobre infeliz
que teve que desabafar
dizendo a todo mundo o que ninguém diz veja que situação
e veja como sofre um pobre coração
pobre de quem acredita
na glória e no dinheiro para ser feliz
The lyrics to Maria Creuza's song "Saudade da Bahia" speak of a deep longing for the singer's home region of Bahia, and the conflict between following one's heart and obeying one's mother's advice. The opening lines express the strong yearning the singer feels for Bahia, which she misses greatly. She then references her mother's warnings, advising her not to leave and cause worry. However, the singer explains that ultimately one must follow their heart, as the world is full of deceit and illusions. She later reflects on the sadness and emptiness that comes with missing something or someone, openly questioning if it is a fault or area of weakness, but also asserting her right to have someone to confide in. The singer then asks the listener to imagine themselves in her position, and how difficult it is to suffer and feel incomplete, especially when one believes that money and fame are the keys to happiness.
The lyrics are emotionally charged and tackle themes of nostalgia, heartbreak, and the struggle to find meaning and fulfillment in life. They showcase the beauty and longing associated with the Brazilian state of Bahia, which has a rich cultural heritage and a distinct identity within Brazil. The song also highlights the emotional complexity of making choices, especially when they may seem to contradict the advice of loved ones. The song speaks to the universal experience of longing for what is lost, and the need for comfort and understanding from others.
Line by Line Meaning
ai, ai que saudade eu tenho da Bahia
Oh, how I miss Bahia
ai, se eu escutasse o que mamãe dizia
Oh, if I had listened to what my mother said
bem não vá deixar a sua mãe aflita
Don't go and worry your mother
a gente faz o que o coração dita
We do what our hearts tell us to do
pois este mundo é cheio de maldade e ilusão
For this world is full of wickedness and illusion
ai, se eu escutasse hoje eu não sofria
Oh, if I had listened today, I would not be suffering
ai, esta saudade dentro do meu peito
Oh, this longing in my heart
ah, se ter saudade é ter algum defeito
Oh, if having longing is a defect
eu pelo menos mereço o direito
At least I deserve the right
de ter alguém com quem eu possa me confessar
To have someone to confide in
ponha-se no meu lugar
Put yourself in my shoes
e veja como sofre um pobre infeliz
And see how a poor unhappy person suffers
que teve que desabafar
Who had to vent
dizendo a todo mundo o que ninguém diz
Telling everyone what no one says
veja que situação
See what a situation
e veja como sofre um pobre coração
And see how a poor heart suffers
pobre de quem acredita
Poor those who believe
na glória e no dinheiro para ser feliz
In glory and money to be happy
Writer(s): Dorival Caymmi
Contributed by Connor S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.