A Banda Lyrics in English Chico Buarque

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Below, I translated the lyrics of the song A Banda by Chico Buarque from Portuguese to English.

These lyrics have verified word for word translations. Click any lyric word to see the translation and hear the pronunciation!

I was idle in life

My love called me

To watch the band go by

Singing love songs

My suffering people

Said goodbye to pain

To watch the band go by

Singing love songs

Verse 1

The serious man counting money stopped

The braggart showing off stopped

The girlfriend counting the stars

Stopped to see, hear and give way

The sad girl who stayed silent smiled

The sad rose that stayed closed opened

And all the kids got excited

To watch the band go by

Singing love songs

Chorus 1

I was idle in life

My love called me

To watch the band go by

Singing love songs

My suffering people

Said goodbye to pain

To watch the band go by

Singing love songs

Verse 2

The frail old man forgot his fatigue and thought

That he was still young, went out on the terrace and danced

The ugly girl leaned on the window

Thinking the band was playing for her

The cheerful march spread along the avenue and kept on

The full moon that stayed hidden appeared

My whole city dressed up

To watch the band go by singing love songs

But to my dismay

The sweet thing was over

Everything went back to its place

After the band passed

And each one in their corner

In every corner a pain

After the band went by

Singing love songs

After the band went by

Singing love songs

After the band went by

Singing love songs

After the band went by

Singing love songs

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SONG MEANING

A Banda is Chico Buarque's vibrant tribute to the transformative magic of a marching band. In the song, the sudden arrival of the cheerful parade pulls everyone, from the stern banker and boastful lamplighter to the shy girl at her window, out of their daily routines. For a shining moment the whole town moves to the same rhythm; smiles bloom, roses open, and even the weary old man feels young enough to dance.

Yet the chorus carries a gentle warning: when the last note fades, ordinary life slips back into place and each person is left 'in their corner' with their own troubles. Chico's lyrics celebrate how music can unite and heal, while also reminding us that joy can be fleeting. The song invites listeners to savor every instant when melody conquers melancholy and to keep that sparkle alive after the band has passed.

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Chico Buarque A Banda Lyrics