A Manteiga Derramou
Song Lyrics
Vou dizer a meu sinhô
Que a manteiga derramou
Vou dizer a meu sinhô
Que a manteiga derramou
Vou dizer a meu sinhô
Que a manteiga derramou
Vou dizer a meu sinhô
Que a manteiga derramou
E a manteiga não é minha
É prá filha de ioiô
Vou dizer a meu sinhô
Que a manteiga derramou
A manteiga é do patrão
Caiu no chão e derramou
Vou dizer a meu sinhô
Que a manteiga derramou
English Translation
I'll tell my master
That I've spilt the butter
I'll tell my master
That I've spilt the butter
I'll tell my master
That I've spilt the butter
I'll tell my master
That I've spilt the butter
The butter is not mine
It belongs to my master's son
I'll tell my master
That I've spilt the butter
The boss's butter
Fell to the ground and spilled
I'll tell my master
That I've spilt the butter
History and sentiment behind song
A slave narrative about a 'mysterious' spillage. A container full of butter has been knocked over, and no one is taking responsibility. When asked the slave says, "it's not my butter, it's the master's butter" which, while technically true, does not help resolve the matter. Slaves would often use such tactics of "passive resistance" to remind the master of his dependence on them.
