Lampião Subia A Serra

History and sentiment behind song

Lampião A Celebrated Brazilian Figure

"Eh eh eh toom toom toom See the footsteps of Lampiao Lampiao descends from the Sierra To look for Maria Bonita To help escape from the police" One of the most famous bandit and celebrated figure in Brazil was Lampiao,once referred to as the King of Cangaco,a form of banditry endemic to north east Brazil in 1920's and 30's.

The History Of The Song

This song to be sung in homage to Mestre Lampiao,presumably, just before he was killed. The lyrics give an inkling that Lampiao knew he had been betrayed so wanted to escape with his loved one, Maria Bonita. It seems that in spite of his murders,rape and pillaging activities, even to this day he is regarded as a folk hero. It is something about the Brazilians: they admire the underdog and his fight against the powers to be. Maria, stayed with him always, though the girl with miscellaneous eyes,looked totally out of place with the band of cangaceiros. His escapades, with Maria at his side, across the Serta, a semi arid desert to the north east of Brazil remain etched in Brazilian folklore