In 1947, amidst a devastating drought in the Brazilian Sertão, two men wrote a song that has become a national epic. Many people consider this work, Asa Branca to be much more than a song; it is a poem, an emotion, a history and a destiny.

The cyclical droughts of the Sertão have driven hundreds of thousands from their homes over the decades, most in search of work in the cities. The rapid urbanization of Brazil over the last century is in large part due to such circumstances. These droughts are so severe that farming becomes impossible; families starve and misery dominates the landscape – and the horizon.

It is in exactly this context that Asa Branca describes a young man, preparing to leave the Sertão and telling his beloved wife Rosinha that his heart will stay with her, and that he shall return with the rain, whenever that may be. It is a heart-wrenching image.

Asa Branca refers to a bird, specifically the picazuro pigeon, whose white wings spread during flight, contrasting against the empty, blue sky of the desert. The melody of the song imitates the flying of the bird on its uncertain journey, swooping and lifting, not knowing if it will ever return home. This is real Brazilian saudade at its most intense.

Luiz Gonzaga and Humberto Teixeira penned this classic in the baião style of music, a popular subset of which today is forró. Gonzaga was the master of the accordion in this style of music and a true pioneer. His son, Dominguinhos carries on the tradition; he is a virtuoso accordion player with a huge trademark smile.

Without further ado, here are some engaging videos so you can get to know the song: 1) a video commemorating the history of the song, with original performances by Luiz Gonzaga and in-depth explanations of the song’s concept by co-author Humberto Teixeira. 2) David Byrne and Forro in the Dark made this music video of their interpretation of the song. David Byrne (Talking Heads) is a renowned Brasil-ophile, and loves Brazilian music!

And of course…. the letra (lyrics) to the song…

Composição: Luiz Gonzaga / Humberto Teixeira

Quando olhei a terra ardendo
Qual fogueira de São João
Eu perguntei a Deus do céu, ai
Por que tamanha judiação 2x

Que braseiro, que fornalha
Nem um pé de plantação
Por falta d’água perdi meu gado
Morreu de sede meu alazão 2x

Até mesmo o asa branca
Bateu asas do sertão

Então eu disse adeus Rosinha
Guarda contigo meu coração 2x

Hoje longe muitas léguas,
nessa triste solidão,
espero a chuva cair de novo,
pra eu voltar pro meu sertão. 2x

Quando o verde dos teus olhos,
se espalha na plantação, eu te
asseguro, não chores naõ, viu
eu voltarei meu coração. 2x