Marinheiro só

The song 'Marinheiro só,' performed by Grupo Capoeira Angola, is a traditional Brazilian folk song that has been adopted by the Capoeira community. The lyrics tell the story of a sailor who feels out of place, expressing a sense of loneliness and disconnection. The repetition of '(Marinheiro só)' which translates to 'lonesome sailor,' emphasizes the sailor's solitary state. The song's protagonist claims not to be from 'here' and not to have love, suggesting a feeling of alienation and longing for belonging. He identifies himself with Bahia and Salvador, which are places with rich Afro-Brazilian culture and history, indicating a connection to his roots and heritage.

The second stanza poses a question about who taught the sailor to swim, suggesting that his skills were born out of necessity – either from a shipwreck ('tombo do navio') or from the movement of the sea ('balanço do mar'). This metaphor can be interpreted as a commentary on the resilience and adaptability required to survive challenging circumstances. The imagery of the sea and the sailor's ability to navigate it despite being alone can also be seen as a symbol of strength and independence.

The final lines of the song describe the sailor's approach, noting his confident demeanor ('faceiro') and his white attire with a cap ('bonezinho'). This could be a reference to the traditional dress of a sailor or perhaps an allusion to the ceremonial dress of Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion. The song, while simple in its lyrics, is rich in cultural references and speaks to themes of identity, resilience, and the search for a place in the world.