“O Leãozinho” by Caetano Veloso (1977)

(Source: Gal Shapira, Pexels.com)

The Little Lion
This song was written for the Novos Baianos bassist, Dadi Carvalho (who had a gorgeous mane of hair at the time). Caetano recorded and performed many versions, including the original release on the album “Caetanear” (to Caetano!), several duet versions, and, perhaps most fittingly, accompanied just by the bassist who inspired him.

I love seeing you, little lion
Walking in the sun
I love you, little lion
To chase away sadness, little lion
From my very lonely heart
All I need is to meet you along the way

A lion cub, a ray of morning light
Pulling my gaze like a magnet
My heart is the sun, creator of all color
When it turns your skin golden by chance

I like seeing you in the sun, little lion
Seeing you go into the sea
Your skin, your light, your mane
I like being in the sun, little lion
Getting my mane wet
Being near you and getting down*

* The song ends with the Portuguese “entrar numa,” which is more than a little open ended. Others have translated it as “carry on” recognizing its meaning of “flirting” or “playing around.” It does most likely mean something about starting some sort of relationship, engaging, but it could even be referring to getting into a good mood, potentially with drugs (“entrar numa boa”). I’ve chosen “getting down” which could be partying, dancing, having sex, or almost anything - and it has the extra benefit of sounding like something someone would say in 1977.