Acalanto
Nana Caymmi Lyrics

The lyrics to Nana Caymmi's song "Acalanto" depict a lullaby being sung to a loved one who is sleeping at night. The singer is the only one awake, watching over their beloved as they sleep. The first stanza refers to the late hour, with the morning coming soon and everyone else asleep, while the singer keeps vigil for their loved one. They tell their "anjo" (angel) to sleep and not worry, as "o boi pega neném," meaning the boogeyman or fears will be taken away by the boi (ox) who will "catch" or "pick up" the neném (baby). This reference to the boi is likely meant to soothe the childlike fears of the loved one being sung to.

The second stanza shifts the focus, bringing in a reference to the heavens and the angels who have gone to sleep. The singer, as a symbol of a protective parent, reassures their "mamãezinha" (little mother) that they need to rest and that "papai vai lhe ninar" (daddy will rock you to sleep). This can be read as a reassurance to the listener that they are being watched over and protected, even against the fears and worries that might come in the night. The lullaby then ends with a repeated chorus, invoking the "boi da cara preta" (black-faced ox) to "pegar essa menina" (pick up this little girl) who is afraid of careta (perhaps a reference to a scary mask or figure). This repetition of the refrain is likely part of the soothing effect of the lullaby, helping to lull the listener into peaceful sleep.