Sete Meninas

The song 'Sete Meninas' by Dominguinhos is a vibrant celebration of traditional Brazilian dance and the allure of communal gatherings. The lyrics describe a Saturday night event at someone named Zé's house, where people come together to dance the côco, a traditional Afro-Brazilian dance, and enjoy each other's company. The song's narrator is clearly enchanted by the dance and the dancers, particularly by a woman named Maria, whose beauty and rhythmic movements captivate everyone around her.

The repeated phrase 'São sete meninas, são sete fulô' refers to seven girls or flowers, which could be a metaphor for the seven days of the week leading up to this festive night, or perhaps the seven notes in a musical scale, each one contributing to the harmony of the dance. The 'umbigadas', or belly bumps, are a traditional part of the côco dance, and the narrator boasts about his participation in this playful interaction. The song's rhythm and lyrics evoke the joy and sensuality of the dance, as well as the sense of community and tradition that it represents.

Dominguinhos was a renowned Brazilian composer and accordionist, known for his contributions to the forró genre, a type of Northeastern Brazilian music. 'Sete Meninas' reflects his style of blending traditional rhythms with a narrative that celebrates regional culture and the simple pleasures of life, such as dancing and socializing. The song is a testament to the infectious nature of Brazilian dance and the way it brings people together, creating a space where joy and cultural expression thrive.