Born 27 January 1949, in Alagoas, Brazil, Djavan combines traditional brazi… Read Full Bio ↴Born 27 January 1949, in Alagoas, Brazil, Djavan combines traditional brazilian rhythms with popular music drawn from all over the american continent, Europe and Africa.

Born into a poor family in Maceió (capital of Alagoas, Northeast Brazil), Djavan formed the group Luz, Som, Dimensão (LSD - "Light, Sound, Dimension"), playing Beatles covers. In 1973 Djavan moved to Rio de Janeiro and started singing in local nightclubs. After competing in several festivals he gained attention and recorded the album A Voz, o Violão e a Arte de Djavan in 1976. The album included the song "Flor de Lis" which became one of his most memorable hits. Albums that followed included his other musical influence, African music, and additional hits followed like "Açaí", "Sina" and "Samurai", which featured Stevie Wonder's harmonica. His best known compositions are: "Meu Bem Querer", "Oceano", "Faltando um Pedaço", "Esquinas", "Seduzir", "Pétala", "Lilás", "A Ilha", "Fato Consumado", "Álibi", "Azul" and "Serrado".

His songs have been recorded by Al Jarreau, Carmen McRae, The Manhattan Transfer, and, in Brazil by Gal Costa, Dori Caymmi, Nana Caymmi, Lenine, João Bosco, Chico Buarque, Daniela Mercury, Ney Matogrosso, Dominguinhos, Caetano Veloso, Maria Bethânia, Johnny Alf, and other artists. The 1988 Epic Records single, "Stephen's Kingdom", featured a guest appearance from Stevie Wonder.

In 1999, his live concert double-volume album, Ao Vivo, has sold 1.2 million copies and the song, "Acelerou" became the Best Brazilian song of the year at 2000 Latin Grammy Awards.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djavan

Apple
Djavan Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Subi ladeira nas carreira
Te amei desfiladeiro abaixo
Encalacrei no lodo, na lama
Na areia movediça da carícia humana

O chão brilhava a casa ria
Clareava o dia e eu nos teus braços
E viajei fui bater na Espanha

Com o cheiro que você tem
Me embriaguei destruí Casablanca
E me revoltei contra Nicarágua
Após me atolar lá no Irã

Teu beijo é Nova York o que quer dizer maçã

Como é bom te querer
Acordei, 'tava frio
Dei a volta e voltei pro Rio
Dei a volta e voltei pro Rio
Dei meia volta e voltei pro Rio
Dei a volta e voltei pro Rio

Subi ladeira nas carreira
Te amei desfiladeiro abaixo
Encalacrei no lodo, na lama
Na areia movediça da carícia humana

O chão brilhava a casa ria
Clareava o dia e eu nos teus braços
E viajei fui bater na Espanha
Com o cheiro que você tem
Me embriaguei destruí Casablanca
E me revoltei contra Nicarágua
Após me atolar lá no Irã

Teu beijo é Nova York o que quer dizer maçã

Como é bom te querer
Acordei, 'tava frio
Dei a volta e voltei pro Rio
Dei a volta e voltei pro Rio

Dei a volta e voltei pro Rio
Dei meia volta e voltei pro Rio

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Djavan's song "Apple" convey a sense of intense love and passion, as well as a journey of self-discovery and return to one's roots.

The opening lines, "Subi ladeira nas carreira / Te amei desfiladeiro abaixo," depict the singer's metaphorical climb up a hill, representing the challenges they have faced in their relationship. Despite these difficulties, they express their deep love for their partner, descending into a ravine in the process. This suggests a willingness to go to great lengths for their love.

The imagery of getting stuck in the mud, the mire, and the quicksand of human affection ("Encalacrei no lodo, na lama / Na areia movediça da carícia humana") further highlights the complexity of relationships and the emotions that can entrap us. The singer acknowledges the unpredictability and sometimes messy nature of love.

The subsequent lines, "O chão brilhava a casa ria / Clareava o dia e eu nos teus braços," paint a picture of happiness and contentment. The singer finds solace and comfort in their partner's arms, as if the world around them is shining, rejoicing, and bringing brightness to their days.

The lyrics then take a turn towards a broader journey, with references to different places. The singer metaphorically travels to Spain, intoxicated by the scent of their partner ("Com o cheiro que você tem / Me embriaguei destruí Casablanca / E me revoltei contra Nicarágua / Após me atolar lá no Irã"). These references may symbolize the singer's willingness to explore new experiences and cultures because of their love for their partner.

Finally, the repeated refrain "Teu beijo é Nova York o que quer dizer maçã / Como é bom te querer" expresses the significance and impact of their partner's kiss. It is likened to the bustling excitement and symbolism of New York City, where the apple represents desire and temptation.

The song concludes with the line "Acordei, 'tava frio / Dei a volta e voltei pro Rio," suggesting a realization and a return to their roots, specifically the city of Rio de Janeiro. The singer acknowledges that, despite the allure of other places and experiences, their heart ultimately belongs to their hometown. This signifies a sense of redemption, acceptance, and finding comfort in familiarity.

Overall, the lyrics of "Apple" showcase themes of passionate love, the highs and lows of relationships, the desire for exploration, and the importance of home and self-discovery.

Line by Line Meaning

Subi ladeira nas carreira
I climbed uphill in my career

Te amei desfiladeiro abaixo
I loved you down the gorge

Encalacrei no lodo, na lama
I got stuck in the mud, in the dirt

Na areia movediça da carícia humana
In the quicksand of human caress

O chão brilhava a casa ria
The ground shone, the house laughed

Clareava o dia e eu nos teus braços
The day brightened and I was in your arms

E viajei fui bater na Espanha
And I traveled, ended up in Spain

Com o cheiro que você tem
With the scent that you have

Me embriaguei destruí Casablanca
I got drunk and destroyed Casablanca

E me revoltei contra Nicarágua
And I revolted against Nicaragua

Após me atolar lá no Irã
After getting stuck there in Iran