São João de Todos os Tempos
Mastruz Com Leite
Dancing Through Time: The Nostalgic Celebration of São João
The song "São João de Todos Os Tempos" by Mastruz Com Leite is a vibrant homage to the traditional Brazilian festivities of São João, also known as the Feast of Saint John the Baptist. The lyrics evoke the joy and nostalgia associated with this popular cultural event, celebrated with much enthusiasm in the Northeast of Brazil. The band Mastruz Com Leite is known for its forró music, a genre that is often associated with these festivities and is characterized by its use of the accordion, triangle, and zabumba drum.
The lyrics describe the various elements that make up the São João celebrations, such as the animated quadrilha dances, the bright bonfires, and the playful calls of 'anavantu' and 'anarriê', which are traditional commands in the quadrilha dance. The song also references the romantic aspect of the festival, where couples meet and symbolically marry in the 'tunnel of love'. The mention of exchanging vows at São João adds a layer of communal bonding and shared experiences to the song.
The song's chorus celebrates the saints associated with the festival - Saint John, Saint Peter, and Saint Anthony - and captures the essence of the celebration with its lively and affectionate tone. The lyrics also playfully address the false alarms of 'look at the rain' or 'look at the snake', which are common pranks during the festivities. The song concludes with a sense of joy and a longing for the past, as it invites listeners to remember the São João of their dreams, suggesting a deep connection to tradition and cultural heritage.