While often associated solely with Jorge Aragão, the song was actually composed by (an Amazonian sambista) and Paulinho Carvalho .

The lyrics describe a protagonist who is deeply in love and desperate to win over their partner. The song is famous for referencing Afro-Brazilian spiritual traditions used in the pursuit of love:

The singer mentions throwing búzios (cowrie shells for divination), making feitiços (spells), and taking arruda (rue) baths to clear bad energy.

It first gained major traction on Aragão's 1988 album Raiz e Flor . Its popularity surged again with the release of his record-breaking live album, Jorge Aragão Ao Vivo , in 1999. Lyrical Theme: From Ritual to Sincerity