Lisboa Antiga is a popular Portuguese song released in 1937. The song is a
fado, a genre of traditional Portuguese song dating to the 19th century, often accompanied by
Portuguese guitar, accordion or other instruments. Traditional fado is often danced in a circle, sometimes while snapping one’s fingers or holding hands, as can be seen here, here, here and here.
Lisboa Antiga speaks of the charm and beauty of old Lisbon and the city’s rich history – the
crusades, the guilds, the popular morning markets, the “crystalline blue” of the
Tejo River... it calls to mind the beauty of a city founded on the Catholic Faith, and the charm and splendor that such a city should naturally exude in its temporal sphere (something accomplished especially by the activity of
laymen).
Lisboa Antiga sparked different adaptations across the world, including a French version (Adieu, Lisbonne), and an English Version (In Old Lisbon).
This version of Lisboa Antiga from 1960 is here interpreted with orchestra by Francisco José.
Note: there are some interesting instrumental versions of the song - one with Portuguese guitars
here and one on accordion here. Another fado (unrelated but still interesting) can be heard on accordion
here.
Listen to Lisboa Antiga
Portuguese lyrics:
1. Lisboa, velha cidade,
Cheia de encanto e beleza,
Eternamente a sorrir,
E ao vestir sempre airosa.
O branco véu da saudade
Cobre o teu rosto, linda princesa.
Olhai Senhor, esta Lisboa d'outras eras,
Dos cruzados, das esperas e das toiradas reais.
Das festas das seculares profissões,
Dos populares pregões matinais,
Que já não voltam mais.
2. Lisboa de oiro e de prata,
Outra mais linda não vejo,
Eternamente a brincar,
E a cantar de contente.
O teu semblante se retrata
No azul cristalino do Tejo.
Olhai, Senhor, esta Lisboa d'outras eras,
Dos cruzados, das esperas e das toiradas reais.
Das festas, das seculares profissões,
Dos populares pregões matinais,
Que já não voltam mais.
English translation:
1. Oh! Lisbon, old city
Full of enchantment and beauty,
Eternally smiling,
And in dressing, always charming.
The white veil of nostalgia
Covers your face, beautiful princess.
Consider Oh! Lord, this Lisbon of other eras,
Of the Crusades, of hunts and of royal bullfights.
Of the feasts of secular guilds,
Of popular morning markets,
That no longer return
2. Oh! Lisbon, made of gold and silver,
Another city more beautiful I do not see,
Eternally playing,
And singing of happiness.
Your face is reflected
In the crystalline blue of the Tejo River.
Consider Oh! Lord, this Lisbon of other eras,
Of the Crusades, of hunts and of royal bullfights.
Of the feasts of secular guilds,
Of popular morning markets,
That no longer return.
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