A História do Seu Zé

It's dawn
The sun is about to rise
Walking through Lapa
I keep remembering you

He was born in Pernambuco
He grew up in a brothel, the boy's destiny
Was cruel but he had faith, to defend his life
He had his profession, skilled knife thrower
He feared no trouble
It's dawn!

The boy became a man, decided to go down south
Chose Rio de Janeiro, said there I will live
Knowledgeable about herbs, he cured many people
That's why Zé Pilintra, in Santa Tereza
Is a doctor

The kindness of this man, gave him fame and power
He joined the underworld and lived in the night
Out of malice and revenge, betrayal by a woman
Zé Pilintra lost his life at the brothel door