Bossa Nossa Lyrics in English Manu Gavassi

Home / Lyrics Translation / Manu Gavassi / Bossa Nossa

Below, I translated the lyrics of the song Bossa Nossa by Manu Gavassi from Portuguese to English.

You take yourself way too seriously

I laugh

And I recommend two shots of cachaça

So Brazilian

Since you like to imitate bossa nova

For lack of our own bossa

Way too serious

You take yourself way too seriously

Verse 1

Our heroes turned away

Youth shifting, what a joke

Most didn't get it

That it's only okay to be nostalgic if you lived it

And it's serious, all so serious

But nobody ever changed anything with mystery

You take yourself way too seriously

And you ignore me, but I exist

I can't sing, but I make it a commitment

I mix everything you don't like

Don't take it wrong

Verse 1

When I die, maybe I'll turn genius

I don't take myself seriously anymore

You take yourself way too seriously

And I laugh

And I recommend two shots of cachaça

So Brazilian

Since you like to imitate bossa nova

For lack of our own bossa

Way too serious

You take yourself way too seriously

Verse 2

I wanna be

My ambition

Verse 2

But they keep calling me cutie

With my metaphoric guitar

And Brazil as the audience

Verse 2

They shouted my name

It wasn't me, it was the idea

Verse 2

I make you think while I make you laugh

I never liked the Mutants without Rita Lee

You take yourself way too seriously

I laugh

And I recommend two shots of cachaça

So Brazilian

Since you like to imitate bossa nova

For lack of our own bossa

Way too serious

You take yourself way too seriously

I laugh

And I recommend two shots of cachaça

So Brazilian

Since you like to imitate bossa nova

For lack of our own bossa

Way too serious

You take yourself way too seriously

Lyrics and Translations Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

Did you like these lyrics?

SONG MEANING

Laughing at Serious Faces

Manu Gavassi’s “Bossa Nossa” is a playful rebellion against people who take themselves way too seriously. Over a breezy, Brazilian groove she teases the purists who copy classic bossa nova without adding any true bossa nossa – our own style. Her remedy? “Duas doses de cachaça” (two shots of sugar-cane spirit) to loosen up the stiff poses and remind everyone that creativity should feel fun, messy and alive.

Through witty lines and cultural shout-outs, Manu pokes holes in empty nostalgia, questions false heroes and proudly admits she is no flawless singer yet totally committed to her art. She mixes humor with sharp social commentary, proving you can make people think while you make them laugh. “Bossa Nossa” is an invitation to drop the ego, celebrate authentic Brazilian flair and create music – or anything – with a smile instead of a frown.

Did you know?

In addition to reading lyric translations, you can now learn Portuguese with music and lyrics from your favorite artists.

No more boring lessons. You can now learn with engaging and culturally relevant lyrics from the best artists.

Manu Gavassi Bossa Nossa Lyrics