Matuto no Forró

“Matuto no Forró” by Jota, Jotinha e Jotão is a humorous and vivid narrative that captures the transformation of a rural, unsophisticated man, or 'matuto,' as he navigates the lively world of forró, a traditional Brazilian dance and music genre. The song is rich with cultural references and paints a picture of the protagonist's journey from a naive country boy to a more worldly individual, albeit through a series of comical and somewhat embarrassing experiences.

The lyrics begin by setting the stage for the protagonist's initial awkwardness and lack of social grace, especially around women. He describes his early life in the countryside, where his tools of trade were a hoe and a machete, and his social skills were virtually non-existent. This sets up the contrast for his later experiences at the forró, where he hopes to find a dance partner and perhaps some romantic success.

As the story progresses, the protagonist's attempts to fit in at the forró are met with ridicule and rejection. His appearance and demeanor are so out of place that he is mistaken for a devilish figure, causing panic among the attendees. Despite these setbacks, he remains determined to find a dance partner. His persistence finally pays off when he meets a woman who, though not conventionally attractive, accepts him. This encounter, however, leads to further comedic mishaps, culminating in a public humiliation that ultimately drives him to change his ways.

The song concludes with the protagonist reflecting on his transformation. After enduring a beating from a soldier, he decides to leave his 'matuto' ways behind. He moves away from his rural roots and develops a disdain for both traditional festivities and unattractive women. The repetitive chorus, “Eu vou dançar, vou dançar,” underscores his enduring desire to dance, symbolizing his ongoing quest for acceptance and belonging in a world that initially rejected him.