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
Embola a Bola
Djavan Lyrics
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Cateretê caterê catê
Cateretê paiê
Cateretê caterê catê
Embola a bola embora
Sem rebolar
Embola a bola embora
Embola a bola embora
Sem rebolar
Embola a bola embora
Sem rebolar
Passo nessa vida
Como passo na avenida
Entre nobres e caras-de-pau
Sufocados no mesmo ideal
Mas, à mercê
De um falso alento
Eu me deito
Esperando
Sorrindo ou xingando
O que jamais
Teceu-me consideração
Dança que marcou
Eu não
Cateretê paiê
Cateretê caterê catê
Cateretê paiê
Cateretê caterê catê
Embola a bola embora
Sem rebolar
Embola a bola embora
Sem rebolar
Embola a bola embora
Sem rebolar
Embola a bola embora
Sem rebolar
Passo nessa vida
Como passo na avenida
Entre nobres e caras-de-pau
Sufocados no mesmo ideal
Mas, à mercê
De um falso alento
Eu me deito
Esperando
Sorrindo ou xingando
O que jamais
Teceu-me consideração
Dança que marcou
Eu não
Cateretê paiê
Cateretê caterê catê
Cateretê paiê
Cateretê caterê catê
Cateretê paiê
Cateretê caterê catê
Cateretê paiê
Cateretê caterê catê
Cateretê paiê
The lyrics of Djavan's song "Embola a Bola" convey a sense of frustration and disillusionment with societal structures and interactions. The repetition of "Cateretê paiê" and "Cateretê caterê catê" throughout the song can be seen as a rhythmic and almost hypnotic chant, perhaps symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and human behavior.
The phrase "Embola a bola embora, sem rebolar" could be interpreted as a metaphor for trying to move forward or progress without getting caught up in the same old patterns or conflicts. The act of "embolar a bola" could represent a desire to shake things up or break free from constraints, without succumbing to the pressures to conform or compromise oneself.
The verse that talks about moving through life like walking down a busy avenue among nobles and impostors suggests a feeling of being surrounded by insincerity and pretense. The mention of being at the mercy of false comforts and laying down, either waiting with a smile or expressing frustration, reflects a sense of resignation or resignation in the face of unreciprocated consideration or respect.
Furthermore, the reference to a dance that left a mark but was not initiated by the singer could symbolize missed opportunities or experiences that have impacted them in some way. The overall tone of the lyrics conveys a mix of resignation, defiance, and a longing for genuine connection and understanding amidst a world rife with superficiality and indifference.
Line by Line Meaning
Cateretê paiê
A carefree, joyful dance filled with energy and enthusiasm
Cateretê caterê catê
The repetition of the dance's steps, reinforcing the playful and lively nature of the dance
Embola a bola embora, sem rebolar
Avoid the confusion and uncertainty, don't get caught up in the chaos
Passo nessa vida como passo na avenida
Navigating through life with grace and confidence, just like walking down the street
Entre nobres e caras-de-pau
In the midst of cultured individuals and pretenders
Sufocados no mesmo ideal
Struggling within the same unrealistic expectations and standards
Mas, à mercê de um falso alento
However, at the mercy of false hopes and promises
Eu me deito esperando
I lay down, waiting and hoping for something better
Sorrindo ou xingando o que jamais me teceu consideração
Whether smiling or cursing at those who never showed me any respect
Dança que marcou, eu não
A dance that left an impact on others, but not on me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Djavan Caetano Viana
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind