This August 22, we remember some of the legends that are part of the Brazilian imagination and culture, such as Saci-Pererê, Mula-Sem-Cabeça, Iara and Boitatá.
There are several books that relate the tales of our folklore and, recently, our legends were the starting point of the series “Invisible City”, available on Netflix.
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But did you know that some songs also make reference to Brazilian stories?
We separate six works from the national songbook that, in some way, talk about the creatures of our folklore. Listen below!
6 songs that talk about Brazilian Folklore
“Mad vulture”
“Urubu Malandro”, by Braguinha, was composed in 1914 based on a folkloric theme from the northern region of Rio de Janeiro. The song was adopted by Flamengo, since the team's mascot is a vulture.
“Curupira”
Do you know the legend of curupira? It is about the man with fiery hair and backwards feet who protects the forests from those who wish to deforest them. In 1936, this character was honored in a song that bears his name, composed by Waldemar Henrique.
“My Lemon, My Lemon Tree”
This song is very famous and, for sure, you've heard it around. There are many mysteries and conversations going on regarding the composition of this track, as it is said to be imported from Europe.
However, in 1937, on the disc that contains recordings by Jorge Fernandes and Sílvio Caldas, it is written “folklore collected in Bahia by Cardoso de Menezes and Francisco Pereira”.
“The Legend of Abaeté”
Dorival Caymmi's song appeared in 1948. It has the dark and gloomy mood of a beach song, but little by little it lights up and tells this story.
“The Turn”
“This one is very famous and one of the trademarks of the band Secos e Molhados. The lyrics mix some superstitions with traces of Brazilian folklore, citing Saci, for example. However, in the chorus, the legend of the Werewolf comes to the fore.”
“Matita Perê”
This classic by Tom Jobim and Paulo César Pinheiro tells the fear of Matinta Pereira, a well-known character from the Brazilian folklore in the North of the country. It is an old witch who turns into a bird.
Graduated in Social Communication at the Federal University of Goiás. Passionate about digital media, pop culture, technology, politics and psychoanalysis.