Brazil

By Ary Barroso & S.K. "Bob" Russell
1939

Written as a patriotic samba by Barroso, the greatest Brazilian composer of the standards era, this song was first recorded by Aracy Cortes with its original Portoguese lyrics. It became a runaway American hit when Russell added English lyrics to it in 1941. It was originally known as "Aquarela do Brasil", but the name was shortened in the U.S. It's been featured in an unusual amount of films and TV shows, ranging from Disney's 1942 animated picture Saludos Amigos, to 2008 Oscar favorite Australia.

Lyrics:

Brazil,
The Brazil that I knew,
Where I wandered with you,
Lives in my imagination.
Where the songs are passionate,
And a smile has flash in it,
And a kiss has art in it,
For you put your heart in it,
And so I dream of old Brazil.

Brazil,
Where hearts were entertaining June,
We stood beneath an amber moon
And softly murmured “someday soon”.
We kissed and clung together,
Then tomorrow was another day,
The morning found me miles away.
With still a million things to say

Now, when twilight dims the sky above,
Recalling thrills of our love,
There’s one thing I’m certain of;
Return, I will,
To old Brazil.

Recorded By:

Django Reinhardt
Frank Sinatra
Ray Conniff
Antonio Carlos Jobim
Rosemary Clooney