Noted for the extraordinary precision of the vocalists' intonation and delivery, the quartet performed and recorded with almost every single major Brazilian artist of the '60s and '70s; their popularity exceeded and still exceeds the borders of their native country. They met with great success in America in the mid-sixties, and have a considerable following in Japan, where they still tour regularly.
They started performing in 1959, appearing on local television in that year. Cyva, the leader of the group, then moved to Rio de Janeiro, and persuaded her three sisters to join her there. They then started to make regular appearances in the boates (small nightclubs) of Rio, particularly Bottle's bar and the legendary Zum-Zum, where they caught the attention of Vinicius de Moraes and other prominent figures of the bossa nova scene. Their first album was released in 1964, and was to be followed by regular releases up to the late '90s, at the frequency of one a year, and sometimes more.
In the late 1960s, the group achieved international success under the title The Girls from Bahia, having undergone changes in its original composition. The first modification happened in 1966, when the youngest sister, Cylene, left the group to marry, getting replaced by Regina Werneck. Later, sisters Cynara and Cybele left the group to form a brief succesful duo that won, in 1968, the III Festival Internacional da Canção. Both got replaced by Sonia Ferreira and Semíramis Rubim, remaining only Cyva from the original formation, but despite the success of the duo, Cynara decided to rejoin the Quartet in the place of Semíramis. After a brief hiatus, the group resumed its activities in 1972 with the singers Cyva, Cynara, Sonia, and recently added member Dorinha Tapajós (replacing Regina). In 1980 Dorinha left for health reasons and was replaced by Cybele, who remained in the group until 2013 and was replaced by Keyla Fogaça, by her own indication. On 21 August 2014, at the age of 74, Cybele died of a lung ischemia at her home in Rio de Janeiro. Since then, after periods of work, Sonia and Keyla left the quartet, adding Corina Viana into the group.
The group's voices have transited through notable Brazilian music composers such as Vinícius de Moraes, Toquinho, Dorival Caymmi, Chico Buarque, Tom Jobim and many others. Their phonographic recordings have been released on more than 30 records - both in Brazil and abroad. With a solid and unwavering career for fifty years, Quarteto em Cy remains one of the most remarkable and expressive vocal groups in the history of MPB.
Tem Mais Samba
Quarteto Em Cy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tem mais samba a maldade que a ferida
Tem mais samba no porto que na vela
Tem mais samba o perdão que a despedida
Tem mais samba nas mãos do que nos olhos
Tem mais samba no chão do que na lua
Tem mais samba no homem que trabalha
Tem mais samba no som que vem da rua
Tem mais samba no pranto de quem vê
Que o bom samba não tem lugar nem hora
O coração de fora
Samba sem querer
Vem que passa
Teu sofrer
Se todo mundo sambasse
Seria tão fácil viver
The lyrics to Quarteto Em Cy's song "Tem Mais Samba" explore the idea that there is more samba in certain situations and emotions than in others. The song suggests that samba, a Brazilian music genre known for its lively rhythm and dancing, is most present in moments of connection and positivity, rather than in moments of waiting or sadness. The lyrics also suggest that samba is present in forgiveness, hard work, and even in tears. The song ends with the idea that if everyone danced samba, life would be easier and more joyful.
One possible interpretation of the lyrics is that samba represents a mindset or attitude of joy and celebration. By highlighting the places and moments where samba is most present, the song suggests that these are the times when people can most easily tap into this energizing and uplifting spirit. The lyrics also suggest that samba is not just about dancing or music, but is also about emotions and connections between people. In this way, the song encourages listeners to seek out and create more opportunities for samba in their lives, whether through dancing, connection with others, or simply choosing to focus on the positive aspects of their experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Tem mais samba no encontro que na espera
Samba is better enjoyed in the company of others than waiting for it alone
Tem mais samba a maldade que a ferida
Samba can be more present in negative emotions than physical pain
Tem mais samba no porto que na vela
The presence of samba can be felt more in the destination than during the journey
Tem mais samba o perdão que a despedida
Forgiveness can create more of a samba atmosphere than saying goodbye
Tem mais samba nas mãos do que nos olhos
Samba can be felt more through touch than through sight
Tem mais samba no chão do que na lua
The dance of samba is more likely to happen on the ground than looking at the moon
Tem mais samba no homem que trabalha
The livelihood of a working man can create more samba than playing music
Tem mais samba no som que vem da rua
The music from outside in the streets can create more of a samba environment
Tem mais samba no peito de quem chora
Samba can be felt more deeply by someone who is crying
Tem mais samba no pranto de quem vê
Samba can be more present during a moment of grief and tears
Que o bom samba não tem lugar nem hora
The true essence of samba cannot be defined by a specific time or place
O coração de fora
Being open-hearted and vulnerable is key in experiencing samba
Samba sem querer
Sometimes we can experience samba without even realizing it
Vem que passa
Come join in and the feeling of sadness will pass
Teu sofrer
Your suffering
Se todo mundo sambasse
If everyone danced samba
Seria tão fácil viver
Life would be so much easier
Contributed by Lillian I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Fernando Cardoso Da Silva
Versão antológica deste Quarteto fantástico!!
Pablo Leonardo Zuñiga Jara
Que joya!!! Una maravilla!!
Sjef Nix
Great Quartet...Perfect Harmony. Arranged by my late good friend Oscar Castro Neves?.
marcelo m
I believe so my dear
totoro inari
高校の時NHKFMの世界の民族音楽で聞いて好きになった。曲名も分からず、３０年も忘れていたが、ドンキホーテの店でBGMとして流れてきて、調べたらこの動画に辿り着きました。ありがとうございます。
MISTERASMODEUS
My favorite version of this song. My last name is Appel. 😂
MUNDO E UNIVERSO
Hi! I am glad you like Brazilian music. Enjoy it!
MISTERASMODEUS
What year and album is this off of?
MUNDO E UNIVERSO
1969 most probably.