CAETANO VELOSO was a superstar in Brazil. He came to England and decided to make London his home in the summer of 1969.

A French saint once said that it is as dangerous for a writer to try a new language as it is for a believer to try a new religion: he can lose his soul. Caetano adopted English for the lyrics on this album to convey his first impressions of living in a foreign country. The songs serve as a two-way mirror, focusing thoughts and memories of home and absent friends and reflecting his reaction to a new but friendly enviroment.

A LITTLE MORE BLUE and LONDON, LONDON were the very first songs to be written after leaving Brazil.

MARIA BETHANIA is one of the most popular singing stars in Brazil; she is also Caetano's sister.

IF YOU HOLD A STONE, which is dedicated to Lygia Clark, and SHOOT ME DEAD are contemporary proverbs.

IN THE HOT SUN OF A CHRISTMAS DAY: an epic hiding behind the cloak of a carol.

ASA BRANCA which was written by Luiz Gonzaga is a song about migration and home sickness...
"When your tears met the dry land
and spread the green of your eyes
over the dead trees
I promise you that
Then I'll be back, dear,
Then I'll be back"