Happy Birthday, Paulinho da Viola!
In honor of Paulinho da Viola’s 80th birthday today, a translation of his 1972 samba “Dança da Solidão” (“Dance of Solitude”).
“Dance of Solitude”
Solitude is lava that covers everything
Bitterness in my mouth
Smiling its teeth of lead
Solitude a word carved in my heart
Resigned and silent
With the beat of regret
Regret, regret
I dance, you dance
The dance of solitude
Camelia became a widow, Joana fell in love
Maria tempted death because of her love
My dad always told me, son take care
When I think about the future, I don’t forget my past
When dawn arrives, my thoughts wander
I run my fingers on the guitar, contemplating the full moon
Despite everything there’s a spring of pure water
Anyone who drinks from that water will have no more bitterness