Life has been crazy. Working a lot, loving every minute of it. The down side is less time and energy to work on translations.
This song is from 1984, but I did not know it since a few weeks back. I know, I will have my Chico Buarque's fan status taken from me. Or should. It is a song written for a play and it is based on a true event. It tells the story of a young doctor, who went to Medical School to please his father. The tragedy (social, in this case) is that he falls for an actress. He quits his career as promising young doctor to join the Theater Company.
I have been listening to this song non-stop, in Monica Salmaso's voice. What an interpretation!
I hope you enjoy my version. I took some liberties to fit the lyrics on the melody, as I usually do.
Beatrice (Chico Buarque/ English lyrics by Rita Cammarota)
Look, now
Is she a lady?
Is she a sad girl?
Is it hard to say?
Is it a painting:
The actress’ face?
If she dances on Heaven’s above,
If she thinks it’s a country she
loves
If she only interprets her lines
And, oh, if I could be
Part of her life…
Look, now
Is it made of china,
Is it made of ether?
Is it plain madness?
Is it in a theatre?
The actress home?
If she lives in the top building floor
If the walls are as thin as chalk
If she cries behind a hotel door
Oh, if I could be part of her life.
Yes, take me forever, Beatrice,
Teach me how you can walk on clouds,
Forever is doomed by the now
Oh, say, how many wrong turns you see on my palm?
Say, is it dangerous to live our dreams?
Look, now
Is that a star?
Is it all a lie?
Is it a comedy?
Is it divine?
The actress’ life?
If one day she falls from the sky,
And payers demand her to act,
Will the angel take off his hat?
Oh, if I could be part of her life...