La Lauê

The song 'La Lauê' by Capoeira Brasil is an homage to the vibrant Afro-Brazilian martial art form known as capoeira. The lyrics, while seemingly simple, are steeped in the cultural context and traditions of capoeira, which combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music, along with a rich historical background.

The opening lines, 'Bem-te-vi voou, voou,' refer to a bird, the 'bem-te-vi,' which is common in Brazil. The bird's flight symbolizes freedom and the spirit of capoeira, which historically provided an outlet for self-expression and liberation for enslaved Africans in Brazil. The phrase 'Deixa voar,' meaning 'let it fly,' reinforces this theme of freedom. The repetitive and rhythmic chorus 'Lalauelauelauelaua Olalaelae' is reminiscent of the call-and-response patterns in capoeira music, which is integral to the martial art's practice, creating a communal atmosphere and guiding the movement of the capoeiristas (practitioners).

The song also mentions the 'Axé capoeira,' with 'Axé' being a Yoruba word meaning energy or life force, often used in Afro-Brazilian religions and cultural expressions. It signifies the power and spirit that capoeira carries. The lines 'Em cada som, em cada toque, em cada ginga, tem um estilo de jogo' translate to 'In every sound, in every beat, in every swing, there's a style of play,' highlighting the individuality and creativity inherent in capoeira's movements and the music that drives them.