“Sá Marina” (Wilson Simonal, 1968)
In honor of what would have been Wilson Simonal’s 85th birthday, a translation of his song “Sá Marina” from the 1968 album “Alegria! Alegria! Vol. 2” (“Joy! Joy! Vol. 2”). The “sá” in the title is short for “sinhá” which in turn is likely a shortened version of “senhora” and used in Northeastern Brazil as a term of address for women.
“Sá Marina”
Going down the hill road
Only those who saw it can say
Smelling like orange flowers
Sá Marina comes to dance
In her white skirt as always
She spins towards the sun
And looking back invitingly
She made all the people sing
Turn towards life out there
Show that happiness
Dance because the day is dawning
For singing
Spin so these afflicted people
Start moving and follow in your steps
Show all that poetry of your gaze
Leaving verses in her wake
And only songs to sing
On that Sunday afternoon
She made all the people cry
And she made all the people cry
And she made all the people cry
And she made all the people cry