Luiz Gonzaga or Gonzagão is one of the most prominent Brazilian folk singers of the 20th century.  He popularized Northeastern baião music throughout the country, and much of his music was reproduced by artists such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Geraldo Vandré, amongst other great Brazilian artists.  Baião is the foundation for forró, côco, and embolada, all Northeastern styled music – and all of which Gonzagão is officially “king.”

One of my favorite Luiz Gonzaga songs is “A Vida do Viajante.”  Although the title implies it’s a song for someone who makes a living travelling, but enjoying it at the same time – I think it can touch anyone who’s been away from home and have been touched by the world out “there!”

A Vida do Viajante

Minha vida é andar
Por esse país
Pra ver se um dia
Descanso feliz
Guardando as recordações
Das terras por onde passei
Andando pelos sertões
E dos amigos que lá deixei.

Chuva e sol
Poeira e carvão
Longe de casa
Sigo o roteiro
Mais uma estação
E a saudade no coração

Minha vida é andar…

Mar e terra
Inverno e verão
Mostra o sorriso
Mostra a alegria
Mas eu mesmo não
E a alegria no coração

Minha vida é andar…

Keywords:

– descansar – to rest

– recordações – memories

– sertões – hinterlands

– roteiro – route/itinerary