Ottawan were a disco band in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were fron… Read Full Bio ↴Ottawan were a disco band in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were fronted by lead singer Jean Patrick (b 6 April 1954) and Annette (b 1 November 1958), with Daniel Vangarde and Jean Kluger the main songwriters. They are best known for their two hit singles "D.I.S.C.O." and "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)".

Although many in the USA would not recognize the name Ottawan, their song "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)" has enjoyed tremendous and enduring popularity as a staple of parties, wedding receptions, exercise classes, line dances, etc,. where it is danced with with exaggerated motions corresponding to the lyrics.

Hello Rio
Ottawan Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Days are all over and done
Hello Rio
Feeling free as can be we come
Hello Rio
Don't you stay alone when there's so much fun
So much going on all night long!
All night long!
Ay, ay, ay, carnaval

Hello Rio
Dressed up like a queen
Acting like a star
No-one here tonight
We'll know who we are
La, lala, lalala
Lala, lalala
Lala, lalala
R (R), I (I)
O (O), R-I-O!
Ay, ay, ay, carnaval
Hello Rio
Bye, bye, bye, no travail
Hello Rio
Nice to see all your lights shining bright
Hello Rio
Nice to meet happy places tonight
Hello Rio
Don't you stay alone when there's so much fun
So much going on all night long!
All night long!
Ay, ay, ay, carnaval
Hello Rio
Dancing in the streets, music everywhere
We all make believe love is in the air
La, lala, lalala
Lala, lalala
Lala, lalala
R (R), I (I)
O (O), R-I-O!
Ay, ay, ay, carnaval
Hello Rio
Bye, bye, bye, no travail
Hello Rio
Let your body go, be part of the show
Dance and sing along all night long!
All night long!
Ay, ay, ay, carnaval
Hello Rio
Bye, bye, bye, no travail
Hello Rio
Ay, ay, ay, carnaval
Hello Rio

Bye, bye, bye, no travail
Hello Rio

Overall Meaning

Ottawan's song "Hello Rio" is an upbeat and festive song that celebrates the excitement and joy of the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. The lyrics describe the feeling of freedom and happiness that come along with the festival, inviting listeners to join in on the fun. The song encourages people to let go of their worries and stress, and to dance and sing along all night long.

The lyrics paint a picture of a vibrant and energetic city filled with lights, music, and happy people. The song's melody matches the upbeat and lively spirit of the Carnival, and the repeated chorus of "Ay, ay, ay, carnaval, Hello Rio" adds to the festive atmosphere.

Despite being sung in English, "Hello Rio" captures the essence of Brazilian culture and the joy of the Carnival. The song has become a popular party anthem and continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages all over the world.

Line by Line Meaning

Days are all over and done Hello Rio
We have left our daily routines behind and are excited to be in Rio.

Feeling free as can be we come Hello Rio
We are feeling free and unrestricted, ready to enjoy all that Rio has to offer.

Don't you stay alone when there's so much fun So much going on all night long! All night long!
There is so much happening in Rio that it would be a shame to miss out on it. Come join the party all night long!

Ay, ay, ay, carnaval Hello Rio
We are excited to be in the midst of the lively and colorful Rio Carnaval.

Dressed up like a queen Acting like a star No-one here tonight We'll know who we are La, lala, lalala Lala, lalala Lala, lalala R (R), I (I) O (O), R-I-O!
We are dressed up and acting like royalty, reveling in the joy and identity that comes with being in Rio.

Nice to see all your lights shining bright Hello Rio Nice to meet happy places tonight Hello Rio
We are delighted by the vibrant and festive atmosphere of Rio, and are grateful to be part of it.

Dancing in the streets, music everywhere We all make believe love is in the air La, lala, lalala Lala, lalala Lala, lalala R (R), I (I) O (O), R-I-O!
We are dancing and celebrating with abandon, swept up in the excitement and possibility of Rio.

Let your body go, be part of the show Dance and sing along all night long! All night long!
We encourage you to let loose, join us in celebrating, and enjoy Rio to the fullest.

Bye, bye, bye, no travail Hello Rio
We are leaving our worries behind and embracing the carefree spirit of Rio.

Writer(s): Daniel Vangarde, Nelly Antoinette Byl

Contributed by Jasmine O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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