One of my favorite Mestre Barrão's songs describing the loss and longing when Mestre Leopoldina, a famous Capoeira Master, passed away. Mestre Leopoldina was also one of the historical figures of Capoeira and was famous for his malandragem (trickeries). It is said that he had been once the foreman of the King Zumbi of Quilombo dos Palmares, one of the most famous runaway slaves' settlements in Brazil.
Mestre Leopoldina Morreu |
Master Leopoldina's Passing |
|---|---|
Hoje a saudade apertou no meu peito |
Today, the longing is so great (i.e. pressing on my chest) |
| Avisando que a Capoeira, entristeceu Que o saodoso Mestre foi embora Mestre Leopoldina morreu |
A warning of such sadness in Capoeira Leaving a hole in the heart when a Master passed away Mestre Leopoldina had died |
| Hoje as terras de Aruanda esta em festa Com a chegada do grande poeta,e cantador Que aqui na terra deixou muita saudade Com jeito de jogar e a malandragem No mundo que o Mestre se consagrou |
Today, in the land of Aruanda is this party With the arrival of a great poet and singer That on this earth made great nostalgia With a manner to play and "malandragem" (trickeries) In the world that the Master was consecrated |
| Com seu chapeu de aba,e terno branco Malandro elegante que ao povo encantou Foi moleque pobre sem dinheiro Ja vendeu limao, ja foi baleiro Mas na Capoeira foi Doutor |
With his brimmed hat and white suit Elegant "malandro" that the people was enchanted He was a poor child without money Already sold lemon, and selling candies* But in Capoeira was a Doctor (expert?) |
| Do Rio de Janeiro pro mundo ele levou Sua maladragem a mandinga seu valor Mas seu destino na terra ele cumpriu Chegou a hora ele partiu Pra perto de Deus nosso Senhor |
From Rio de Janeiro he took the world For the value of his "maladragem", "mandinga" But his destiny on earth, he has fulfilled It's time that he left To be close to God, our Lord |
*indicating harshness in life