O Quitandeiro
Roberto Ribeiro Lyrics

The lyrics of Roberto Ribeiro's "O Quitandeiro" depict the daily routine of a street vendor, or "quitandeiro," as he goes about his business selling vegetables and produce. The first verse mentions the vendor's task of delivering "cheiro e tomate" (scent and tomatoes) to the house of "Chocolate," most likely a nod to a friend or customer who enjoys cooking with fresh ingredients. The second verse describes the vendor's interactions with a rowdy group of drinkers who come to close down the bar, with Chocolate instructed to tell a woman to bring onions and parmesan cheese for the group's snacks. Finally, the last verse mentions a gathering of people from the favela (slum), where they will dance until dawn and honor the quitandeiro with their verses.

The song is a celebration of everyday life and the cultural importance of food, music, and community in Brazil. The lyrics paint a colorful picture of the hustle and bustle of the streets, where people work hard and play hard. The references to specific foods and ingredients, such as tomatoes and parmesan cheese, add a sensory element to the song and evoke a sense of nostalgia for times when food was simpler and more locally sourced.

Overall, "O Quitandeiro" is an upbeat, joyful tribute to the hardworking street vendors who play a vital role in Brazilian culture, providing fresh and healthy ingredients to communities and nurturing social connections through their interactions with customers.