Cantador de Campanha
Luiz Marenco
Campaign Singer
My work is that of a cowboy from the countryside
As my documents say
I continue without loosening any rein
From the countryside, creole, and frontier
But I bring another trade in the world
That these folks already know what it is
Singing at dances in the countryside ranches
Bom Retiro, Azevedo Sodré
Blessing that I carry with me
Being a campaign singer cowboy
With the accordion player, I understand by heart
I don't even care about poverty anymore
They called me for this Saturday
To sing at a dance on the coast of Areal
I don't have a single Real in my pocket
But I am the singer of these people from outside
Beaten ground of red gravel
A small house of four by five
I aim at the holes in the zinc
And sing under the light of the Southern Cross
Which makes the youngest girl
From Mr. Gumercindo's ranch
And I don't know which face is the most beautiful
Of Comadre Mosa's three daughters
Isabel, Canducha, and Rosa
I won't tell you which one is the prettiest
All three in calico dresses
With pleats of delicate ribbon
Amadeus on the button accordion
And Condonga on the left-handed guitar
And a buzzing like a grasshopper
On the tambourine of the black Bujão
Two girls come from Parador
And a cousin from São Gabriel
Maybe the girl Isabel
Will cast some charming glances at this singer
As it gets light, let's hit the road
Because Monday is just around the corner
I'll sing two more vaneiras
To light up the dawn
