Lisboa Oxala [English translation]

Such is Lisbon, clothing hanging at the window

Such is Lisbon, purple jacaranda

I know of another Lisbon, of aprons and slippers

Ah! Lisbon of fado, Alfama and God willing

True Lisbon, of the darkest night

Of shadowed streets, nights and alleyways

Under foot the ground, stone cobbles, of life that is hard

Lisbon so alone, of back alleys and lanes.

But the face peeking from behind the curtain

Is the face that made love once, now makes

Fun of the spring tide with a sly mouth

Fun of the high tide in a kiss that lasts.

And in this fado I will leave forgotten here to stay

Lisbon adrift, that the fado did sing

Seafaring city without having to navigate

Night caravelle that one day will arrive