“Clareana” (Joyce, 1980)

I originally posted this song translation early last year, but I’m revisiting it on this Thanksgiving Day 2025, which also coincides with my daughter Anna Clara’s birthday. (See the next paragraph for the connection between my daughter and this adorable lullaby.) The album this song came from was also the subject of the most recent full episode of the Brazuca Sounds podcast (#87).

Intro from original post (Jan. 31, 2024): In honor of Joyce’s 76th birthday, below is a translation of a simple, beautiful song she wrote for her two daughters Clara and Ana, which I in turn dedicate to my daughter Anna Clara.

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“Clareana”
One heart
Of honey, of melon
Of yes and of no
Becomes my pet
In the morning sun
A ball of yarn
In the mother’s womb beats the heart
Of Clara, Ana, and whoever else arrives
Water, land, fire, and water

“Clareana”
Um coração
De mel, de melão
De sim e de não
É feito um bichinho
No sol de manhã
Novelo de lã
No ventre da mãe bate o coração
De Clara, Ana e quem mais chegar
Água, terra, fogo e ar