Elba Ramalho was born in the rural area of Conceição, in Vale do Piancó. In 1962, the family moved to the city of Campina Grande, also in Paraíba. Her father became the owner of the local theater. Daughter of a musician, she became interested in music still as a teenager.
In 1966, she participated, for the first time, in a performance on stage, in the Choir of the Fundação Artística e Cultural Manuel Bandeira, of which she was a member, with "Evocação do Recife". The Manuel Bandeira and Cecília Meireles Talking Choirs gained fame and started to be seen all over the Northeast, and Elba, who made her first presentation on stage together with them, soon became the highlight in the presentations. She starred in the poetic montages of Castro Alves, Thiago de Mello, Lindolfo Bell, Carlos Pena Filho and Figueiredo Agra. He participated in the montages of the plays "Ministro do Supremo" and "Diálogo das Carmelitas."
In 1968, while attending college of Economics and Sociology at the Federal University of Paraíba, she formed the ensemble As Brasas, in which she acted as drummer, which later became a theater group. However, Elba never stopped singing, and performed in several festivals throughout the Northeast.
In 1979, she released her first album, "Ave de Prata", and since then she has consolidated her position as one of the main Brazilian singers in activity. On her father's side, she is a cousin of fellow singer Zé Ramalho.
She has two Latin Grammys for her albums: Qual o Assunto Que Mais Lhe importa?, released in 2008, and Balaio de Amor, 2009, in the category Best Brazilian Roots Album: Regional and Tropical. In over 35 years of career, Elba Ramalho has sold more than 10 million albums. She received from the Art Critics Association of São Paulo the award "Best Show of the Year" on two occasions: in 1989 for the show Popular Brasileira and in 1996 for the show Leão do Norte.
é d'oxum
Elba Ramalho Lyrics
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Homem, menino, menina, mulher
Toda essa gente irradia magia
Presente na água doce
Presente na água salgada
E toda cidade brilha
Presente na água salgada
E toda cidade brilha
Seja tenente ou filho de pescador
Ou um importante desembargador
Se der presente é tudo uma coisa só
A força que mora n'água
Não faz distinçao de cor
E toda cidade é d'oxum
A força que mora n'água
Não faz distinção de cor
E toda cidade é d'oxum
É d'oxum, é d'oxum
É d'oxum
Eu vou navegar
Eu vou navegar nas ondas do mar
Eu vou navegar
Eu vou navegar
Eu vou navegar nas ondas do mar
Eu vou navegar
The song "É d'Oxum" by Elba Ramalho celebrates the power and beauty of Oxum, one of the most widely venerated orixás (deities) in Afro-Brazilian religions. The lyrics describe how everyone in the city is a child of Oxum, regardless of their social status, gender, or skin color. The magic and vitality she brings are present in both fresh and saltwater, and the entire city is illuminated by her presence.
As the song progresses, Ramalho emphasizes that Oxum's power doesn't discriminate based on social hierarchy or occupation. Whether someone is a lieutenant, a fisherman's child, or a high-ranking judge, they are all equally touched by Oxum's divine force. The repeated refrain of "É d'Oxum" reinforces this sense of unity and inclusion, as everyone is united in their devotion to the same deity.
Line by Line Meaning
Nessa cidade todo mundo é d'oxum
In this city, everyone belongs to Oxum, the goddess of fresh water, fertility, and love. They are all connected to her and her magic.
Homem, menino, menina, mulher
Regardless of gender or age, everyone in the city is linked to Oxum's magical energy.
Toda essa gente irradia magia
All the people in the city emit a powerful aura of magic that comes from their connection to Oxum.
Presente na água doce
Oxum is present in fresh water, which represents her fertility and life-giving qualities.
Presente na água salgada
Oxum is also present in salt water, which represents her ability to cleanse and purify.
E toda cidade brilha
The entire city shines and glows with Oxum's magic, which fills every corner and every person.
Seja tenente ou filho de pescador
Whether one is a high-ranking military officer or a fisherman's son, everyone is equal and connected through their link to Oxum.
Ou um importante desembargador
Even a high judge with great power is not above Oxum's influence and connection to the people in the city.
Se der presente é tudo uma coisa só
Whether one offers a gift or not, everyone is still connected and equal in their relationship with Oxum.
A força que mora n'água
The power and energy of Oxum reside in water.
Não faz distinçao de cor
Oxum's energy does not discriminate based on race or skin color.
E toda cidade é d'oxum
The entire city belongs to Oxum and embodies her power and energy.
É d'oxum
The city is part of Oxum's domain and energy.
Eu vou navegar
The singer is ready to embark on a journey, possibly a spiritual or emotional one.
Eu vou navegar nas ondas do mar
The singer will navigate the ups and downs of life and emotions, guided and protected by Oxum's energy.
Eu vou navegar
The singer is still determined to embark on this journey.
Eu vou navegar
The singer repeats this phrase to emphasize their confidence and eagerness to start their journey.
Eu vou navegar nas ondas do mar
The singer repeats this phrase to remind themselves and others that they are supported by Oxum's energy and guidance, even in uncertain and turbulent situations.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Geronimo Duarte, Everaldo Calazans De Almeida Filho
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind