Initially playing in colleges, Toquinho's professional career took off in the 1960s at shows promoted by radio personality Walter Silva at the famous Paramount theater in São Paulo. He composed his first recorded song with Chico Buarque entitled "Lua Cheia" (Full Moon). His first big hit was composed in 1970 with Jorge Benjor, "Que Maravilha" (What a Wonder). That same year he was invited by Vinícius de Moraes, co-writer of the worldwide hit song "Garota de Ipanema" (The Girl from Ipanema), to participate in a series of shows in Buenos Aires, forming a solid partnership that would continue for 11 years and produce 120 songs, 25 records and over a thousand shows.
After the death of Vinícius de Moraes in 1980, he went on to pursue a solo career, often performing with other talented musicians like Paulinho da Viola, Danilo Caymmi, Paulinho Nogueira and Chico Buarque. He continues to record and play.
Mais Que Nada
Toquinho Lyrics
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Obá Obá Obá
Mas que nada
Sai da minha frente
Eu quero passar
Pois o samba está animado
O que eu quero é sambar
Este samba
Ó samba de preto velho
Samba de preto tu
Mas que nada
Um samba como esse tão legal
Você não vai querer
Que eu chegue no final
The first verse of Toquinho's song Mais que nada is a playful and energetic invitation to join in the festivities. The repeated phrase "Obá Obá Obá" is an exclamation of excitement and anticipation, setting the tone for the rest of the song. The singer commands whoever is in his way to move aside because he wants to dance, and the lively rhythm of the samba is too much to resist. The lyrics also reference the cultural and musical traditions of Brazil, with a mix of maracatú and the presence of preto velho, or "old black man," adding to the depth and richness of the song's meaning.
The second verse of the song reinforces the joy and exuberance of samba, emphasizing the uniquely Brazilian blend of rhythms and cultural influences. The singer urges the listener to feel the energy of the music and dance along, promising that they won't regret it. The song's chorus, "Mas que nada," which means "but of course" in English, serves as a catchy and memorable refrain that ties the song together.
Overall, Mais que nada is a celebration of Brazil and its vibrant culture, particularly the music and dance that are so closely associated with the country. The song's lyrics evoke feelings of joy, movement, and communal celebration, inviting listeners to join in and experience the magic of samba for themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Oaria raio
Exclamation expressing enthusiasm and excitement
Obá Obá Obá
Exclamation showing joy and celebration
Mas que nada
Expression meaning 'no way' or 'not at all'
Sai da minha frente
Get out of my way
Eu quero passar
I want to pass by
Pois o samba está animado
Because the samba is lively
O que eu quero é sambar
What I want is to dance samba
Este samba
This samba
Que é misto de maracatú
Which is a blend of maracatú
Ó samba de preto velho
Oh samba of the old black
Samba de preto tu
Samba of the black you
Mas que nada
Expression meaning 'no way' or 'not at all'
Um samba como esse tão legal
A samba as great as this one
Você não vai querer
You won't want
Que eu chegue no final
Me to arrive at the end
Contributed by Jake V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.