He began his career as a bossa nova musician, but soon began writing songs that reflected a new focus on political awareness and social activism, along with fellow singer Caetano Veloso. In the 1970s, Gil added new elements of African and North American music to his already broad palette, and continued to release a steady stream of albums, including Realce and Refazenda. João Gilberto recorded Gil's "Eu Vim da Bahia" ("I Came from Bahia") on his classic João Gilberto LP.
In 1969, Gil and Veloso, whose status in Brazil was, and is, equivalent to that of John Lennon and Paul McCartney in the English-speaking world, were arrested by the military government of Brazil for anti-government activities. Upon their release, the pair both moved to London. Gil began playing with groups like Yes, Pink Floyd and The Incredible String Band, while continuing his solo career. In the 1970s, he toured the US and recorded an English-language album. He worked with Jimmy Cliff and released in 1980 a cover of "No Woman, No Cry" (Bob Marley & the Wailers) that was a massive hit and introduced reggae to Brazil.
Gil continued recording, performing and involving himself in various social causes, and was eventually elected a city councillor in his home town Salvador in 1989. His 1993 album with Caetano Veloso, Tropicália 2, featured a cover of a Jimi Hendrix song, "Wait Until Tomorrow", and is regarded as one of his finest efforts since the late 1960s.
When President Lula da Silva took office in January 2003, he chose Gil to serve as Brazil's new Minister of Culture, a post he held until 2008. While minister, Gil released his songs "Refazenda", "Rebento" and "Refavela" under the Creative Commons Sampling License.
In May 2005 Gil was awarded the Polar Music Prize in Stockholm, Sweden. He was the first Latin American recipient of the annual award, which was given to him by the King of Sweden. Gil also performed four songs in an outdoors concert the day before the award show and again at the show with only two songs, accompanied by Jimmy Cliff.
In September 2005 he was awarded the Légion d'honneur from the French Government. This coincided with the Année du Brésil en France (Brazil's Year in France).
His daughter Preta Gil is also a musician.
Aquele Abraço
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
O Rio de Janeiro continua sendo
O Rio de Janeiro, fevereiro e março
Alô, alô, Realengo
Aquele abraço
Alô torcida do Flamengo
Aquele abraço
Alô, alô, Realengo
Aquele abraço
Alô torcida do Flamengo
Aquele abraço
Chacrinha continua
Balançando a pança
E buzinando a moça
E comandando a massa
E continua dando
As ordens no terreiro
Alô, alô, seu Chacrinha
Velho guerreiro
Alô, alô, Terezinha
Rio de Janeiro
Alô, alô, seu Chacrinha
Velho palhaço
Alô, alô, Terezinha
Aquele abraço
Alô, moça da favela
Aquele abraço
Todo mundo da Portela
Aquele abraço
Todo mês de fevereiro
Aquele passo
Alô Banda de Ipanema
Aquele abraço
Meu caminho pelo mundo
Eu mesmo traço
A Bahia já me deu
Régua e compasso
Quem sabe de mim sou eu
Aquele abraço
Pra você que me esqueceu
Aquele abraço
Alô Rio de Janeiro
Aquele abraço
Todo o povo brasileiro
Aquele abraço
O Rio de Janeiro continua lindo
O Rio de Janeiro continua sendo
O Rio de Janeiro, fevereiro e março
Alô, alô, Realengo
Aquele abraço
Alô torcida do Flamengo
Aquele abraço
Alô, alô, Realengo
Aquele abraço
Alô torcida do Flamengo
Aquele abraço
Chacrinha continua
Balançando a pança
E buzinando a moça
E comandando a massa
E continua dando
As ordens no terreiro
Alô, alô, seu Chacrinha
Velho guerreiro
Alô, alô, Terezinha
Rio de Janeiro
Alô, alô, seu Chacrinha
Velho palhaço
Alô, alô, Terezinha
Aquele abraço
Alô, moça da favela
Aquele abraço
Todo mundo da Portela
Aquele abraço
Todo mês de fevereiro
Aquele passo
Alô Banda de Ipanema
Aquele abraço
Meu caminho pelo mundo
Eu mesmo traço
A Bahia já me deu
Régua e compasso
Quem sabe de mim sou eu
Aquele abraço
Pra você que me esqueceu
Aquele abraço
Alô Rio de Janeiro
Aquele abraço
Todo o povo brasileiro
Aquele abraço
"Aquele Abraço" is a song by Gilberto Gil that pays homage to the city of Rio de Janeiro and its vibrant culture. The song's title translates to "That Embrace," referring to the warm and welcoming spirit of the people of Rio de Janeiro. The first verse speaks of the eternal beauty of Rio and its attraction to visitors, while the chorus repeats the phrase "Aquele abraço" to express gratitude to all the different people and elements that make up the city, from its neighborhoods and sports teams to its popular radio host Chacrinha.
The second verse features a call-and-response section with the crowd, as the singer shouts out to specific neighborhoods or groups to show appreciation for their contributions to the city's cultural fabric. The chorus repeats again, emphasizing the universality and inclusivity of Rio de Janeiro's charm. The last verse asserts the singer's pride in his personal path, drawing inspiration from his home state of Bahia, and concludes with another round of cheers for Rio and all of Brazil.
Overall, "Aquele Abraço" celebrates the diversity, creativity, and passion of Rio de Janeiro and its people, linking the city's vibrant culture with the singer's own personal journey.
Line by Line Meaning
O Rio de Janeiro continua lindo
Despite all the changes and challenges, Rio de Janeiro remains a beautiful city.
O Rio de Janeiro continua sendo
Rio de Janeiro remains a notable and important place in Brazil and the world.
O Rio de Janeiro, fevereiro e março
The city is an essential part of the Carnaval season in February and March.
Alô, alô, Realengo
Hello, hello, to the neighborhood of Realengo.
Aquele abraço
That embrace that connects and unites us.
Alô torcida do Flamengo
Hello to the passionate supporters of Flamengo football club.
Chacrinha continua
The legendary television host Chacrinha lives on.
Balançando a pança
Shaking his belly (a signature move of his).
E buzinando a moça
Honking the horn at the ladies (as a flirtatious gesture).
E comandando a massa
And still commanding the audience (with his unique and energetic style).
E continua dando
And still giving (his all).
As ordens no terreiro
Orders in the yard (as a metaphor for his control and dominance in the entertainment industry).
Alô, alô, seu Chacrinha
Hello, hello to you, Chacrinha.
Velho guerreiro
Old warrior (a nickname given to Chacrinha for his resilience and fighting spirit).
Alô, alô, Terezinha
Hello, hello to Terezinha (a reference to Chacrinha's famous catchphrase).
Rio de Janeiro
A tribute to the city of Rio de Janeiro once again.
Velho palhaço
Old clown (a term of endearment for Chacrinha).
Alô, moça da favela
Hello to the girl from the favela (a poor urban community).
Todo mundo da Portela
Everyone from Portela (a famous samba school in Rio de Janeiro).
Todo mês de fevereiro
Every February (a reference to the Carnaval season).
Aquele passo
That step (a reference to the samba dance).
Alô Banda de Ipanema
Hello to the Banda de Ipanema (a famous Carnaval parade troupe).
Meu caminho pelo mundo
My path in the world.
Eu mesmo traço
I chart it myself (I make my own choices and decisions).
A Bahia já me deu
Bahia (a state in Brazil) has already given me.
Régua e compasso
Ruler and compass (tools used in geometry or as a metaphor for guidance and direction).
Quem sabe de mim sou eu
I am the one who knows about myself (I know who I am and what I want).
Pra você que me esqueceu
For you who forgot about me (a message to those who overlooked or abandoned him in the past).
Todo o povo brasileiro
All the Brazilian people.
Lyrics © Tratore
Written by: Gilberto Gil
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind