Veloso is the fifth of the seven children born to José Telles Veloso ("Seu Zezinho") and Claudionor Vianna Telles Veloso ("Dona Canô"). His younger sister Maria Bethânia, another popular and renowned artist in Brazil, preceded him to fame as a singer in the mid-1960s. He began his career around 1965 singing bossa nova and he has cited his greatest musical influences from his early period as João Gilberto and Dorival Caymmi. (João Gilberto would say later about Caetano's contribution that it added an intellectual dimension to brazilian popular music.) But with such musical collaborators Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Tom Zé, Chico Buarque, and Os Mutantes, and greatly influenced by the later work of The Beatles, developed tropicalismo, which fused Brazilian pop with rock and roll and avant garde art music resulting in a more international, psychedelic, and socially aware sound. Veloso's politically active stance, unapologetically leftist, earned him the enmity of Brazil's military dictatorship which ruled until 1985; his songs were frequently censored, and some were banned. Veloso was also alienated from the socialist left in Brazil becasue of his acceptance and integration of non-nationalist influences (like rock and roll) in his music. Veloso and Gilberto Gil spent several months in jail for "anti-government activity" in 1968 and eventually exiled themselves to London. Caetano Veloso's work upon his return in 1972 was often characterized by frequent appropriations not only of international styles, but of half-forgotten Brazilian folkloric styles and rhythms as well. In particular, his celebration of the Afro-Brazilian culture of Bahia can be seen as the precursor of such Afro-centric groups as Timbalada.
In the 1980s, Veloso's popularity outside Brazil grew, especially in Israel, Portugal, France and Africa. By 2004, he was one of the most respected and prolific international pop stars, with more than fifty recordings available, including songs in soundtracks of movies such as Pedro Almodovar's Hable con Ella (Talk to Her), and Frida. In 2002 Veloso published an account of his early years and the Tropicalia movement, Tropical Truth: A Story of Music and Revolution in Brazil.
His first all-English CD was A Foreign Sound (2004), which covers Nirvana's "Come as You Are" and compositions from the Great American Songbook. Five of the six songs on his third eponymous album, released in 1971, were also in English.
Lady Madonna
Caetano Veloso Lyrics
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Wonder how you manage to make ends meet
Who find the money when you pay the rent
Did you think that money was heaven sent
Friday night arrives without a suitcase
Sunday morning creeping like a nun
Monday's child has learned to tie his bootlegs
Lady Madonna, baby at your breast
Wonders how you manage to feed the rest
Pa pa pa pa,
See how they run
Lady Madonna lying on the bed
Listen to the music playing in your head
Tuesday afternoon is never ending
Wednesday morning papers didn't come
Thursday night you stocking needed mending
See how they run
Lady Madonna, children at your feet
Wonder how you manage to make ends meet
The lyrics of Lady Madonna speak of the struggles of motherhood and the endless responsibilities that come with it. The lyrics comment on the challenges of managing finances, paying rent, and providing for children. The song portrays the life of a mother who is constantly juggling different responsibilities while trying to make ends meet. The lyrics capture the sacrifices and hardships that come with motherhood, as well as the emotional connection between a mother and her children.
The lyrics also allude to the Beatles song "Lady Madonna", which also speaks about motherhood and the struggles of parenthood. It is believed that the song was inspired by a photograph of a pregnant woman on the cover of a magazine, which showed a woman who appeared to be struggling and yet balancing different responsibilities. The song was intended as a tribute to women who are often overlooked and underappreciated, particularly those who are mothers.
Line by Line Meaning
Lady Madonna, children at your feet
You are a mother of many, with your kids always around you.
Wonder how you manage to make ends meet
Everyone is amazed how you balance work and home life to provide for your family.
Who find the money when you pay the rent
People question where you get the funds to keep a roof over your family's head.
Did you think that money was heaven sent
Have you ever felt like your hard-earned money was supposed to sustain your family without struggles?
Friday night arrives without a suitcase
You don't need materialistic things to have a good night with your loved ones.
Sunday morning creeping like a nun
You take a moment of peace and meditation on your day of rest.
Monday's child has learned to tie his bootlegs
Your children are growing up and becoming more independent with each passing day.
See how they run
Your kids are constantly playful and active with boundless energy.
Lady Madonna, baby at your breast
You are a nurturing mother who always puts her children's needs first.
Wonders how you manage to feed the rest
Others are curious how you provide balanced and healthy meals for your entire family.
Pa pa pa pa,
The sound of your baby peacefully feeding.
See how they run
Your other children are still very active even as the youngest is being fed.
Lady Madonna lying on the bed
In the few moments you can spare, you're able to relax and unwind.
Listen to the music playing in your head
Your mind never stops thinking about ways to improve your family's life.
Tuesday afternoon is never ending
Days can sometimes feel like they drag on and on without end.
Wednesday morning papers didn't come
Small irritations can throw off your entire routine.
Thursday night you stocking needed mending
You always have chores and tasks that need to be done before the next day.
See how they run
Your children are still energetic and playful even as you do household chores.
Lady Madonna, children at your feet
Despite everything, your family is still the most important thing in your life.
Wonder how you manage to make ends meet
People still can't believe how you're able to provide for everyone so well.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GEORGE HARRISON, JOHN WINSTON LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind