In 1995 Nancy Vieira took part in a singing contest, which she won. The prize was to record an album that was named Nos raça. Nancy has since been invited to be on the same stage with some of the most important singers from Cabo Verde such as Cesária Évora, Bana, Tito Paris, Ildo Lobo and Boy Gê Mendes, and has recorded three albums - Nos raça, Segred and Lus.
Brother
Nancy Vieira Lyrics
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Ca bo confundi
Ês vida é um segund,
Sim c'ma també um eternidade
Um eternidade pa quem qu'ê sofredor
C'pal aliviá sê sofriment, sô cond el bai
Deus, sê ijda quem c'ca pode
Dás coraja ma vontade
E vivê nes mund cruel
The song "Brother" by Nancy Vieira is a poignant and emotional tribute to those who have suffered in life. The lyrics are in Cape Verdean Creole and the song is characterized by a light and lilting melody that complements the weighty and affecting subject matter. The lyrics, which include the lines "Ca bo iludi, ô brother, Ca bo confundi", roughly translate to "Don't be fooled and don't be confused, brother, life is just a second, but also an eternity, an eternity for those who suffer". The song acknowledges the struggles and trials of life, but also offers a message of hope and resilience to those who have faced adversity.
The singer reflects on the struggle of living in a cruel world, but reminds us that we all have the power to overcome and endure. The line "Deus, sê ijda quem c'ca pode" which translates to "God, you are the one who can't", acknowledges the powerlessness of humans to change or control certain aspects of life, but also suggests that there is comfort in placing one's trust in a higher power. Overall, the song is a moving and powerful meditation on the human condition, and offers a message of empathy, hope and resilience to all those who have suffered in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Ca bo iludi, ô brother,
Don't be fooled, oh brother,
Ca bo confundi
Don't be confused
Ês vida é um segund,
Life is but a second,
Sim c'ma també um eternidade
Yes, but also an eternity
Um eternidade pa quem qu'ê sofredor
An eternity for those who have suffered
C'pal aliviá sê sofriment, sô cond el bai
And only the relief of their suffering, when they are gone
Deus, sê ijda quem c'ca pode
God, be the one who can
Dás coraja ma vontade
Give courage and willpower
Pas guentá c'ses sofriment
To endure their suffering
E vivê nes mund cruel
And live in this cruel world
Writer(s): toy vieira
Contributed by David V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.