Capoeira Song Spotlight: Oi Sim Sim Sim

Aug 27

Written By Derek Bertubin

Lyrics

Portuguese

Oi sim sim sim

Oi não não não

—-

Mas hoje tem amanhã não

—

Oi não não não

Oi sim sim sim

—

Olha a pisada de Lampião

English

Oh yes yes yes

Oh no no no

—

But today there is, tomorrow there isn’t

—

Oh no no no

Oh yes yes yes

—

Look at Lampião’s footstep

Who is Lampião?

Lampião, born Virgulino Ferreira da Silva (1897–1938), is one of the most famous and controversial figures in Brazilian history. He led the Cangaço Movement, bands of armed outlaws who roamed the sertão (dry backlands of Northeast Brazil).

Key Facts:

Leader of the Cangaço: Lampião was feared by authorities but admired by many poor communities as a type of “social bandit.”
Origins: After his father was killed in a dispute with police, he turned to banditry, becoming a skilled strategist and charismatic leader.
Partnership: His companion, Maria Bonita, was one of the first women to join a cangaço band, making them a legendary pair.
Death: In 1938, Lampião, Maria Bonita, and several followers were ambushed and killed by soldiers; their heads were displayed publicly as a warning.
Legacy: Today, Lampião is remembered in songs, poems, and art; both as a folk hero and a criminal, depending on who tells the story. His unique dress (wide leather hat, ammunition belts, embroidered clothes) became iconic of the cangaço era.

Meaning in the Song

When Capoeiristas sing about Lampião in “Oi Sim Sim Sim”, they aren’t glorifying violence but evoking the spirit of resistance, cunning, and survival in harsh conditions. The “yes/no” refrain reflects the duality of Capoeira … attack and defense, invitation and refusal, trickery and truth. The verse about Lampião reminds us that history is full of figures who lived in the margins, challenging authority and embodying resilience.

Discussion / Reflection

In this song, Lampião’s presence invites us to think about rebellion, justice, and perspective. Some saw him as a criminal; others as a hero.

What makes someone a hero or a villain?
Have you ever stood up for yourself or your community in a way that others misunderstood?
How does the “yes/no” structure of the song mirror your own experiences of making choices, resisting pressure, or playing with dualities?

Derek Bertubin