If you go to Rio
Don't forget to climb up there
To a small village
Hidden under wild flowers
On the slope of a hill
It's in Madureira
You will see the Carciocas1
leaving their little houses
To go to the party
To the samba party.
And you will see
the girls with thin waists, climbing the hills,
advancing in small steps,
and the bands
in this joyous uproar
taking the odd stream,
of samba schools
who prepare the ball
and go there for Carnaval,
to repeat the rhythm
of the craziest of dances,
those of Madureira
And you will see
the girls with thin waists, climbing the hills,
advancing in small steps,
and the bands
in this joyous uproar
taking away the odd stream
of samba schools
If you go to Rio
Don't forget to climb up there
To a small village
Hidden under wild flowers
On the slope of a hill
If you go to Rio
1. People from Rio