João e Maria [English translation]

Now, I was* the hero

And my horse only spoke in english

The cowboy's bride

Were you, besides three others

I'd confront the battalions

The germans and their cannons

Then I'd put down my bodoque1

And rehearse the rock for the matinées

Now, I was the king

I was the beadle and also the judge

And according to my law

We were required to be happy

And you were the princess I had crowned

And you were so beautiful to admire

That you walked naked through my nation

No, don't run away

Pretend now that I was your toy

I was your whipping-top

Your favorite pet

Come, give me your hand

We had no fear now

In the time of evil we weren't even born

Now it was fatal

That the make-believe would end up like this

Beyond this backyard

It was a never ending night

Because you disappeared into the world without telling me

And now I was a madman wondering

What will life do to me?

1. a type of bow used by brazilian native indians

• Artist:Chico Buarque