La Bamba tricolor

The song "La Bamba tricolor" by Torcida do Fluminense is a spirited anthem that captures the essence of football rivalry and team pride. The lyrics are a playful yet pointed declaration of allegiance to Fluminense, one of the major football clubs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The song is structured around the repetition of phrases that emphasize what the singer is not, followed by a rousing cheer for Fluminense, known affectionately as "Nense" by its supporters.

The lyrics begin by distancing the singer from Flamengo, another prominent Rio de Janeiro football club, by stating, "Eu não sou rubro negro, eu não sou rubro negro, eu não sou ladrão, não sou ladrão, não sou ladrão." Here, the term "rubro negro" refers to the red and black colors of Flamengo, and the word "ladrão" (thief) is a derogatory term used to insult the rival team. This pattern continues with references to Vasco da Gama and Botafogo, two other major football clubs in Rio. For Vasco, the lyrics say, "Eu não sou vascaíno, eu não sou vascaíno, eu não vendo pão, não vendo pão, não vendo pão," implying that Vasco fans are bread sellers. For Botafogo, the lyrics state, "Eu não sou botafogo, eu não sou botafogo, não sou chorão, não sou chorão, não sou chorão," with "chorão" meaning crybaby, a common taunt among rival fans.

The repeated chant "dá-lhe nense" serves as a rallying cry, uniting Fluminense fans in their shared identity and passion for their team. This song is more than just a chant; it is a cultural expression of the intense rivalries that define Brazilian football. It encapsulates the pride, humor, and competitive spirit that are integral to the fan experience. The playful jabs at rival teams highlight the camaraderie and sense of belonging that come with being a Fluminense supporter.