Alô Fevereiro [English translation]

The tamborim(¹) warned: be careful

The guitar replied: wait for me

The cavaquinho(²) attacked, strong

When the whistle arrived, it was too late.

The surdo(³) came, hitting hard

making the cuíca (4) squeak, scared

And the tambourine danced, how lucky

Making samba is not child’s play.

Every month of February, morena(5)

Carnival awaits you

They want to cast a spell on you, morena

But, it makes sense.

If the spell reaches your body

People will go crazy

Trying to understand your dance

Wanting to find out about your life.