O Surdo [English translation]

Dear friend, what irony of life

You cry on the street

So my people may rejoice

I hit you hard

And I feel this crushing pain inside

But you understand

And tells me that a love blow doesn't hurt

Dear surdo drum, it may seem absurd

And yet you listen to me better than my friends at the bar

Don't let the pain hurt you anymore

Through your rhythm

I stop crying and start to sing

Dear surdo drum, I know I bang you so hard

All I can hear is you crying

The applause is our consolation

Dear friend, what irony of life

You cry on the street

So my people may rejoice

I hit you hard

And I feel this crushing pain inside

But you understand

And tells me that a love blow doesn't hurt

Dear surdo drum, my old friend and companion

In the streets and in the terreiro

In the gatherings of samba and in my looliness

Let me not get overcome with fatigue,

let me not neglect this embrace

And undo the step and beat of my heart