Na Beira do Mar

Mestre Toni Vargas' song 'Na Beira do Mar' is a vibrant homage to Rio de Janeiro, celebrating its cultural richness and the practice of capoeira by the sea. The lyrics open with a salutation to Rio, describing it as a wonderful place to live. This sets the tone for the song, which is steeped in local pride and the unique cultural practices that define the city. The mention of 'mandingueiro' refers to someone skilled in the art of mandinga, a term often associated with capoeira, indicating a person who is cunning and adept in this Afro-Brazilian martial art.

The recurring phrase 'na beira do mar' (by the sea) emphasizes the setting, highlighting the connection between the practice of capoeira and the natural beauty of Rio's coastline. Capoeira, with its roots in African traditions brought to Brazil by enslaved people, is not just a martial art but a dance, a game, and a form of cultural expression. By placing capoeira 'na beira do mar,' the song underscores the importance of the environment in which this art form thrives, suggesting a harmonious relationship between the practitioners and their surroundings.

Mestre Toni Vargas, a renowned figure in the capoeira community, uses this song to convey the agility ('ligeiro') and the mystical elements ('mandinga') of capoeira. The repetition of phrases like 'vou jogar capoeira' (I will play capoeira) and 'capoeira ligeira' (agile capoeira) reinforces the dynamic and fluid nature of the practice. The song is a celebration of the spirit of capoeira, its deep roots in Brazilian culture, and its enduring presence in the vibrant life of Rio de Janeiro, especially along its beautiful beaches.