"In Portuguese, we had the "Papão" (it's like 'big eater' - in English the Bogeyman) that served to frighten little children. Mothers used to say: 'If you don't behave, the Papão will come to eat you!' And there is even a lullaby..." -Nana

Here's the Portuguese lullaby about the "Papão"...

Vai-te embora ó papão - Portuguese Children's Songs - Portugal - Mama Lisa's World: Children's Songs and Rhymes from Around the World - Intro Image

Notes

Here's a slightly different version:

Vai-te embora ó papão,
Sai de cima do telhado,
Deixa dormir o menino
Um soninho descansado.

English Translation:

Go away, oh bogeyman,
Get off the roof,
Let the little boy sleep,
A tranquil sleep.

Listen

Here's the version in the recording:

Vai-te embora ó papão
De cima desse telhado,
Deixa dormir o menino
Um soninho descansado
Deixa dormir o menino
Um soninho descansado.

Translation:

Go away, oh bogeyman,
From on top of the roof,
Let the little boy sleep,
A tranquil sleep.
Let the little boy sleep,
A tranquil sleep.

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Thanks to Nana Ruellon for singing "Vai-te embora ó papão" for us!

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Thanks!

Thanks and Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Nana Ruellon for contributing this song. Translated by Nana Ruellon and Lisa Yannucci.

Image: Francisco Jose de Goya

Obrigada!