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.
Dente Por Dente
Martinho Da Vila Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
minha força em seus braços se torna fracasso
quando passo contigo umas horas de amor
este sambinha...
este sambinha eu fiz
numa noite que eu vinha bastante feliz pois havia passado umas horas ao seu lado
e a nossa saudade havia se escasseado o nosso amor ninguém entende
é um fogo cruzado, é um dente por dente
é um peso pesado, é a força da mente um amor descontraído
como o qual ninguém viveu
é a façanha de cúpido
que pra seu alvo nos escolheu
mas juro pela nossa amizade pelo criador
minha força em seus braços se torna em fracasso
quando eu passo contigo umas horas de amor este sambinha ...
The lyrics to Martinho da Vila's song "Dente por dente" explore the complexities of love and passion. The singer acknowledges the power of their feelings for their lover and confesses that even their strength sometimes fails them in the presence of their beloved. The song is aptly named "Dente por dente" which translates to "tooth for tooth" in English, referencing the idea of revenge and retaliation in relationships.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of societal disapproval and misunderstanding of their relationship. The singer asserts that their love is a fire that no one can understand but them, and that it is a force of the mind and a weighty burden to carry. Despite the challenges they may face, the singer is grateful for the time they spend together and created this samba in celebration of their love.
Overall, Martinho da Vila's "Dente por dente" is a beautiful and soulful expression of the complexities of love and the importance of cherishing those moments of passion and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
mas juro pela nossa amizade, pelo criador
I swear by our friendship and the Creator
minha força em seus braços se torna fracasso
My strength in your arms turns into failure
quando passo contigo umas horas de amor
When I spend hours with you in love
este sambinha...
This little samba...
este sambinha eu fiz
I made this little samba
numa noite que eu vinha bastante feliz pois havia passado umas horas ao seu lado
On a night when I was very happy because I had spent some time with you
e a nossa saudade havia se escasseado o nosso amor ninguém entende
And our longing had diminished, no one understands our love
é um fogo cruzado, é um dente por dente
It's a crossfire, it's a tooth for a tooth
uma chama que a cada dia se acende
A flame that ignites every day
é um peso pesado, é a força da mente
It's a heavy weight, it's the power of the mind
um amor descontraído como o qual ninguém viveu
A relaxed love like no one has ever experienced
é a façanha de cúpido que pra seu alvo nos escolheu
It's Cupid's feat, choosing us as his targets
mas juro pela nossa amizade pelo criador
I swear by our friendship and the Creator
minha força em seus braços se torna em fracasso
My strength in your arms turns into failure
quando eu passo contigo umas horas de amor este sambinha ...
When I spend some hours with you in love, this little samba...
Writer(s): Martinho Jose Ferreira
Contributed by Colin H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.