What is it, what is it
That goes sighing through the alcoves
That goes whispering in verses and lyrics
That goes by in dark corners in small houses
That goes through minds and mouths
That goes lighting candles along dark alleys
That speaks loudly in bars
That yells in the markets, that certainly
Is in nature, Is it
That which is never certain, and never will be
That which is not fixed, and never will be
That which has no size
What is it, what is it
That lives in the ideas of these lovers
That the most delirious poets sing
That the crazed prophets vow
Is in the processions of the mutilated
Is in the fantasies of the miserable
Is in the day-to-day of the prostitutes
Is in the plans of thieves, of the handicapped
In all senses, Is it
That which has no decency, and never will
That which does not self-censor, and never will
That which makes no sense
What is it, what is it
That no warning will help avoid
Because laughter will defy it
Because all the bells will play it
Because all hymns will consecrate it
And all the boys will let it loose
And all destinies will meet
And even the Holy Father, who is never really there
When looking at that hell, will bless it
That which has no government, and never will
That which has no shame, and never will
That which has no judgement
What is it, what is it
That no warning will help avoid
Because laughter will defy it
Because all the bells will play it
Because all hymns will consecrate it
And all the boys will let it loose
And all destinies will meet
And even the Holy Father, who is never really there
When looking at that hell, will bless it
That which has no government, and never will
That which has no shame, and never will
That which has no judgement
(Original lyrics in Portuguese)
Tags: chico buarque, english, lyrics, portuguese, song, translation
Great translation, Thank you!!!