Samba do Soho

Lisa Ono's 'Samba do Soho' is a vibrant and nostalgic journey that intertwines the bustling streets of Soho with the soulful memories of Gamboa. The song opens with the artist reminiscing about Gamboa, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, as she walks through Soho, a district in New York City. This juxtaposition of places highlights the universal nature of nostalgia and the way memories can transport us across time and space. The repeated phrases 'Ai, ai, ai, que coisa louca' and 'Ai, meu Deus, que coisa boa' express a mix of amazement and joy, capturing the bittersweet essence of longing and the beauty of cherished memories.

The lyrics pay homage to the roots of samba, mentioning Donga, a pivotal figure in the history of Brazilian music, and the African influences from Angola and Luanda. This connection to the origins of samba underscores the cultural richness and historical depth of the genre. The song also touches on the theme of 'saudade,' a Portuguese word that encapsulates a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that one loves. This feeling is described as a 'wonderful dilemma' and a 'trap,' emphasizing the complex and often contradictory nature of saudade.

In the English verses, the song seamlessly blends the Brazilian and New York experiences, illustrating how cultural elements can merge and create new, vibrant expressions. The imagery of 'kissing you in the cinema' and 'getting down in Soho' with 'sandals, beats and no problema' paints a picture of carefree joy and cultural fusion. 'Samba do Soho' is a celebration of cultural identity, the power of music to evoke memories, and the joy found in the intersections of different worlds.