Daughter of musicians Dorival Caymmi and Stella Maris, and sibling of Danil… Read Full Bio ↴Daughter of musicians Dorival Caymmi and Stella Maris, and sibling of Danilo and Dori Caymmi, Nana was raised in one of the most musical families in Brazil. Nana started singing at an early age and adopted a singular technique which enhanced her low pitch voice. In 1961 she recorded her father's song "Acalanto", and then moved with her husband to Venezuela, an withdrawing from the music bizz for that period. Back in Brazil, Nana released her first album "Nana", for the record label Elenco, which belonged to the music producer Aloysio de Oliveira. In 1966, Nana performed the song "Saveiros" (Dori Caymmi/ Nelson Motta) at the First International Song Festival and was placed first. She has also worked abroad with Sarah Vaughan and Sergio Mendes.

Balanço Zona Sul
Nana Caymmi Lyrics

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Balança toda pra andar
Balança até pra falar
Balança tanto que já balançou
Meu coração

Balance mesmo que e bom
Do Leme até o Leblon
E vai juntando um punhado de gente

Que sofre com seu andar

Mas ande bem devagar
Que é pra não se cansar
Vai caminhando
Balam balançando sem parar

Balance os cabelos seus
Balance e cai mas não cai
E se cair vai caindo caindo
Nos braços meus

Balança toda pra andar
Balança até pra falar
Balança tanto que já balançou
Meu coração

Balance mesmo que e bom
Do Leme até o Leblon
E vai juntando um punhado de gente
Que sofre com seu andar

Mas ande bem devagar
Que é pra não se cansar
Vai caminhando
Balam balançando sem parar

Balance os cabelos seus
Balance e cai mas não cai

E se cair vai caindo caindo
Nos braços meus

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Nana Caymmi's song "Balanço Zona Sul" capture the essence of the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro's South Zone, particularly the beaches of Leme and Leblon. The song celebrates the beauty and grace of a woman as she walks and moves, leaving a lasting impression on those who witness her.

The first verse sets the tone, stating that this woman's movements are so captivating that they not only make her physically stand out but also have an impact on the singer's heart. The word "balança" is used to emphasize her movements and implies a swaying, rhythmical motion that attracts attention.

The second verse encourages this woman to continue swaying and moving, highlighting the positive effect it has on the surroundings and the people who observe her. The song suggests that she gathers a crowd of admirers who are captivated by her unique walk, presumably causing them to suffer from admiration.

Despite the attention she draws, the song advises her to walk slowly to avoid getting tired. This advice indicates that the singer wants her to continue enchanting people for as long as possible, suggesting that her charm and magnetism have a lasting effect on others.

The bridge of the song focuses on her hair, emphasizing its movement and mentioning that it may fall, but even if it does, it will fall into the singer's arms. This line reinforces the idea that the singer is enchanted by this woman and is ready to catch her if she ever stumbles or falls.

Overall, the lyrics of "Balanço Zona Sul" convey a sense of admiration and fascination towards a woman's captivating movements, celebrating her grace and the impact she has on those around her. The song exudes a joyful and lively atmosphere that reflects the vibrant spirit of the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro.

Line by Line Meaning

Balança toda pra andar
Move your body completely to walk

Balança até pra falar
Even your voice trembles

Balança tanto que já balançou
You sway so much that it has already shaken

Meu coração
My heart

Balance mesmo que e bom
Keep swaying, it's good

Do Leme até o Leblon
From Leme to Leblon (beach neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro)

E vai juntando um punhado de gente
And gathers a bunch of people

Que sofre com seu andar
Who suffer from your walking

Mas ande bem devagar
But walk very slowly

Que é pra não se cansar
So you don't get tired

Vai caminhando
Keep walking