La vai viola

Candeia's song 'La vai viola' is a vibrant celebration of samba, a genre deeply rooted in Brazilian culture. The lyrics convey a strong sense of attachment and loyalty to samba, emphasizing that the singer will not abandon this musical tradition. The repeated phrase 'Din din din la vai viola' serves as a rhythmic anchor, symbolizing the ever-present and enduring nature of samba in the singer's life.

The song opens with a declaration of steadfastness: 'Quem quiser pode ir eu vou ficar aqui,' which translates to 'Whoever wants to go can go, I will stay here.' This line sets the tone for the rest of the song, highlighting the singer's unwavering commitment to samba. The mention of 'ginga' and 'zabumba'—elements intrinsic to samba music—further underscores the cultural richness and rhythmic complexity of the genre. The line 'Este samba tem mandinga mas nao e macumba' suggests that while samba has a mystical, almost magical quality ('mandinga'), it is not to be confused with 'macumba,' a term often associated with Afro-Brazilian religious practices.

The chorus, 'Din din din la vai viola, do samba nao vou embora,' is a joyful affirmation of the singer's refusal to leave samba behind. The repetition of this line reinforces the idea that samba is an integral part of the singer's identity. The lyrics also touch on the absurdity of leaving samba, with the line 'Deixar o samba e loucura que nao faço,' meaning 'Leaving samba is madness that I won't do.' This sentiment is further emphasized by the line 'Indo embora com voce vou bancar palhaço,' which translates to 'Going away with you, I will play the fool,' indicating that abandoning samba would be a foolish act.

Candeia, a renowned figure in the samba world, uses 'La vai viola' to express a deep, personal connection to the genre. The song is not just about music; it's about cultural identity, heritage, and the unbreakable bond between the artist and his art form.