Η δημοκρατία των λύκων που φορούν προβιά

 

Lopsided democracy

(Μετάφραση από τα Βραζιλιάνικα)

It was said that democracy

Was like a hidden treasure

But now that it has been found

We have all opened our eyes

And each one, relying on his judgement,

Confidently declared that what was round was in fact square,

And went to work, with a great many theories,

To prove that he was right

And Manuel became Mary

Wolves became lambs,

While others used magic

To turn rum into wine.

Lies became our daily lot

And truth went backstage

We all became accustomed to hiding ourselves

Behind verbal diarrhoea tainted with demagogy?

Henceforth, simplicity prevails

And no-one listens to the advice of others

No point in giving any, no-one would listen anyway!

This is the world we are growing up in.

The majority is satisfied,

Happily paddling in its democracy.

Today’s rumours have no tomorrow,

When you have known pleasure, death is no longer truly frightening.

The English came to occupy their land,

São Francisco became a livelier place,

I want to see Monsieur Jean opposite,

Laughing with his friend.

Pépé Lópi has been forgotten

Diogo Gomes has been brought up to date,

Craveiro Lopes has been exhumed,

As for Inacia Gomes, no-one knows her any longer.

The time will come when old Náxu’s opinions

Will not be held in higher esteem than those of a babe in arms.

People will come together and cry: enough!