Manéra (part. Wilson Simoninha)

João Sabiá's song 'Manéra,' featuring Wilson Simoninha, paints a vivid picture of a leisurely and luxurious day by the beach. The lyrics open with a simple morning routine: slipping on Havaianas, brewing coffee, and heading to the beach. Once there, the scene is set with grilled cheese, cold beer, and even a hat, all adding to the carefree atmosphere. However, the recurring line 'Na conta do coronel' hints at an underlying dependency on a benefactor, referred to as the 'coronel,' who foots the bill for these indulgences.

The song continues to describe a life of opulence, with a perfect tan, lace dresses, and golden skin. The afternoon is filled with a lavish lunch and visits to the beauty salon, culminating in the acquisition of a ring. Again, these luxuries are charged to the 'coronel,' suggesting a relationship where the woman enjoys a life of ease at someone else's expense. The repeated warnings to 'te segura' (hold on) and 'manéra' (take it easy) imply that this lifestyle comes with strings attached, and the 'coronel' is not someone to be trifled with.

Culturally, the song taps into the Brazilian archetype of the 'coronel,' a figure of authority and wealth, often associated with rural landowners or political bosses. This character's 'linha dura' (hard line) approach suggests a strict and possibly controlling nature. The playful yet cautionary tone of the song serves as a reminder that while the pleasures of a luxurious life are enticing, they often come with hidden costs and obligations. João Sabiá and Wilson Simoninha use a blend of samba and bossa nova rhythms to create a laid-back yet thought-provoking narrative, making 'Manéra' a rich tapestry of sound and story.