Why does one step beneath a tree feel cooler? This curious children’s song explores how the crown—the branches and leaves overhead—offers shade and slows some raindrops, while roots help hold nearby soil. Look closely for a nest, a beetle, and a ladybug using different sheltered nooks.
Text from the recording’s subtitles.
Song lyrics
Por que faz mais fresco junto à árvore?
A calçada quente queima os meus pés.
Dou um passo e entro na sombra verde.
Galhos e folhas sobre mim formam a copa.
Barram parte dos raios; a sombra refresca.
Copa no alto, raízes no chão,
juntas formam proteção natural.
Protegem gente, bichinhos e o solo
bem perto desta árvore.
Um ninho balança no meio dos galhos.
Há um besouro na fresta da casca.
A joaninha fica sob uma folha.
Perto das raízes, há cantos protegidos.
Cada bichinho acha o lugar certo.
Copa no alto, raízes no chão,
juntas formam proteção natural.
Protegem gente, bichinhos e o solo
bem perto desta árvore.
Chuva ligeira tamborila nas folhas.
Algumas gotas chegam mais suaves.
As raízes prendem a terra úmida.
A água leva mais lama do chão descoberto.
Copa no alto, raízes no chão,
juntas formam proteção natural.
Protegem gente, bichinhos e o solo
bem perto desta árvore.
Depois da chuva, a resposta é clara.
Copa e raízes formam proteção.
Language version lyrics
Why does one step feel suddenly cool?
The sun-warmed pavement stings my feet.
I step into a pool of green shade.
The crown is branches and leaves overhead.
They block some sunlight; shade feels cooler.
Crown above us, roots in the ground,
together make natural cover.
They shelter people, small creatures, nearby soil
close around this tree.
A bird's nest rocks between the branches.
A beetle hides in a crack of bark.
One ladybug tucks beneath a leaf.
There are sheltered nooks beside the roots.
Each little creature finds a fitting place.
Crown above us, roots in the ground,
together make natural cover.
They shelter people, small creatures, nearby soil
close around this tree.
A quick rain taps the leaves above.
Leaves slow some drops before they land.
The roots hold on to dampened soil.
Off bare ground, water carries more mud.
Crown above us, roots in the ground,
together make natural cover.
They shelter people, small creatures, nearby soil
close around this tree.
After the rain, the answer is clear.
Crown and roots make natural cover.