Martinho da Vila (born Martinho José Ferreira on February 12, 1938 in Duas … Read Full Bio ↴Martinho da Vila (born Martinho José Ferreira on February 12, 1938 in Duas Barras, Rio de Janeiro) is a Brazilian samba musician (singer and composer).

He is most associated with the samba school Vila Isabel, and his own compositions (sambas de enredo) have been annually inaugurated by Vila Isabel in Rio de Janeiro's Carnaval competition for decades. His signature song, "Casa de Bamba," which dates back to the 1970s, is one of Brazilians' most beloved sambas. At age 74, he is still doing concerts and his lyrics continue to rally the spirits of audiences throughout Brazil. His 1995 CD "Ta Delicia Ta Gostoso" sold more than a million copies. His music shows influence from the region where he was born, such as the calango rhythm.

Martinho is politically active and a prominent figure and spokesperson for Afro-Brazilian issues as well as for the Brazilian Communist Party. He is the author of six books, and has been a recording artist since 1969.

A Felicidade
Martinho Da Vila Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Tristeza não tem fim
Felicidade sim

A felicidade é como a gota
De orvalho numa pétala de flor
Brilha tranqüila
Depois de leve oscila
E cai como uma lágrima de amor

A felicidade do pobre parece
A grande ilusão do Carnaval
A gente trabalha o ano inteiro
Por um momento de sonho
Pra fazer a fantasia
De rei ou de pirata ou jardineira
Pra tudo se acabar na quarta feira

Tristeza não tem fim
Felicidade sim

A felicidade é como a pluma
Que o vento vai levando pelo ar
Voa tão leve
Mas tem a vida breve
Precisa que haja vento sem parar

A minha felicidade está sonhando
Nos olhos da minha namorada
É como esta noite
Passando, passando
Em busca da madrugada
Falem baixo, por favor
Pra que ela acorde alegre como o dia
Oferecendo beijos de amor

Tristeza não tem fim

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Martinho da Vila's song A Felicidade, translated in English as Happiness, are a reflection on the fleeting nature of happiness and the contrast between it and sadness. The first two lines, "Tristeza não tem fim / Felicidade sim" (which roughly translates to "Sadness has no end / Happiness, yes"), set the tone for the rest of the song. It's a melancholic recognition that while sadness can seem to drag on forever, happiness is elusive and temporary.

The lyrics go on to use metaphors to describe happiness, such as comparing it to a drop of dew on a flower petal or a feather being carried by the wind. These images add to the feeling that happiness is something fragile and easily lost, even as it brings light and joy into our lives.

Line by Line Meaning

Tristeza não tem fim
Sadness has no end

Felicidade sim
Happiness, on the other hand, does

A felicidade é como a gota De orvalho numa pétala de flor Brilha tranqüila Depois de leve oscila E cai como uma lágrima de amor
Happiness is like a dewdrop on a flower petal. It shines peacefully, then gently sways and falls like a tear of love

A felicidade do pobre parece A grande ilusão do Carnaval A gente trabalha o ano inteiro Por um momento de sonho Pra fazer a fantasia De rei ou de pirata ou jardineira Pra tudo se acabar na quarta-feira
The happiness of the poor seems like the great illusion of Carnival. We work all year long for a moment of fantasy, to dress up as a king, pirate, or gardener, only for it all to end on Wednesday.

A felicidade é como a pluma Que o vento vai levando pelo ar Voa tão leve Mas tem a vida breve Precisa que haja vento sem parar
Happiness is like a feather being carried by the wind. It floats lightly but has a short life. It needs never-ending wind to keep it afloat.

A minha felicidade está sonhando Nos olhos da minha namorada É como esta noite Passando, passando Em busca da madrugada Falem baixo, por favor Pra que ela acorde alegre como o dia Oferecendo beijos de amor
My happiness is dreaming in the eyes of my girlfriend. It's like this fleeting night searching for daybreak. Please speak softly so she wakes up happy, offering kisses of love.

Contributed by Matthew W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS