“Angélica” by Chico Buarque
This song was dedicated to Chico’s friend, Zuzu Angel. Angel was a fashion designer and political activist. Her son, Stuart Angel, was arrested, tortured, and killed by the Brazilian dictatorship in 1971. His body was never recovered. Angel’s activism brought the military’s role in such disappearances more fully into public view, especially within the U.S. government. Zuzu Angel herself died in a suspicious car crash in 1976 that has been tied to the military’s involvement as well. Chico recorded this song on his 1981 album “Almanaque” (“Almanac”).
“Angélica”
Who is that woman
Who always sings that refrain
I just wanted to cradle my son
Who lives in the darkness of the sea
Who is that woman
Who always sings that lament
I just wanted to remember the torment
That made my son breathe
Who is that woman
Who always sings that same arrangement
I just wanted to bundle up my angel
And let his body rest
Who is this woman
Who sings like a bell tolls
I wanted to sing for my boy
Because he can no longer sing