Gal became one of Brazil's foremost Tropicália counterculture movement singers during the late 1960s and early 70s, quickly earning the title as one of the best and most acclaimed singers in Brazil, following a very succesful career with many hits and prestige over the years. During Tropicália, she became a political activist, coming into conflict with Brazil's government when dissent in music was censored, and later coming to represent the movement all alone in her country when her fellow Tropicália members and friends were exhiled to London due to the heavy dictatorship that was going on at the time.
Fellow musician Caetano Veloso, introduced her to Gilberto Gil and Tom Zé in 1963 (and later Maria Bethânia), who managed to secure her a recording deal in São Paulo for her debut album Domingo with Caetano Veloso. A bit before recording her first album, "Father of Bossa Nova" João Gilberto, met her and after a couple of hours hearing Gracinha (as she was known at the time) sing for him as he was playing the acoustic guitar, he said: "Gracinha, you're Brazil's greatest female singer". In the following years, Gal would prove his statement right with a fruitful and rewarding career, and with the encouragement of João Gilberto himself; her biggest idol.
Gal has recorded songs composed by a number of Brazil's most popular songwriters such as Antônio Carlos Jobim, Jorge Ben Jor, Chico Buarque, Rita Lee and especially her close friends Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil. She was also a member of the supergroup Doces Bárbaros, active in 1976, 1994 and 2002.
País Tropical
Gal Costa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Abençoado por Deus
E bonito por natureza
Fevereiro, em Fevereiro, tem carnaval
Eu tenho um fusca e um violão
Sou Flamengo e tenho uma nêga chamada Tereza
Sun baby
Sou um menino de mentalidade mediana
Pois eu sou feliz, muito feliz, comigo mesmo
Moro num país tropical
Abençoado por Deus
E bonito por natureza
Fevereiro, em Fevereiro, tem carnaval
Eu tenho um fusca e um violão
Sou Flamengo e tenho uma nêga chamada Tereza
Sun baby
Posso não ser um band leader
Mas meus amigos, todos eles me respeitam
Essa é a razão da simpatia, do poder e da alegria
Moro num país tropical
Abençoado por Deus
E bonito por natureza
Fevereiro, em Fevereiro, tem carnaval
Eu tenho um fusca e um violão
Sou Flamengo e tenho uma nêga chamada Tereza
Gal Costa's País Tropical is a nostalgic and patriotic homage to Brazil. The song starts by expressing pride in being born and raised in a tropical country blessed by God, with natural beauty that enchants the senses. She mentions the most celebrated Brazilian event, Carnaval, which occurs in February every year, contributing to the song's festive tone. Gal mentions that she has a simple and humble life, with a Volkswagen Beetle and a guitar, but despite that, she is content and happy. She identifies herself as a Flamengo fan, one of the most famous soccer teams in the country, and she mentions a woman named Tereza, who might be her companion.
Gal introspects that she may not be a great leader, but she is recognized and respected by her friends. The reason why they like her, she believes, is the happiness and joy that she spreads everywhere she goes. The song culminates with the repetition of the chorus, reaffirming that Brazil is not only beautiful but also happy and that the singer is proud to be Brazilian.
País Tropical is not only a beautiful song, it carries intense symbolism and national pride. Gal Costa's voice is warm and emotive, conveying the passion she has for her home country. The lyrics and melody unite to create a joyful and nostalgic song, evoking imagery such as deep blue oceans, verdant forests, and stunning beaches celebrating Brazil's beauty.
Line by Line Meaning
Moro num país tropical
I live in a tropical country
Abençoado por Deus
Blessed by God
E bonito por natureza
And naturally beautiful
Fevereiro, em Fevereiro, tem carnaval
In February, we have Carnival
Eu tenho um fusca e um violão
I have a Beetle car and a guitar
Sou Flamengo e tenho uma nêga chamada Tereza
I support Flamengo soccer team and have a girlfriend named Tereza
Sun baby
A term of endearment
Sou um menino de mentalidade mediana
I am an average-minded boy
Mas assim mesmo e contente eu não devo nada a ninguém
But still, I am happy and owe nothing to anyone
Pois eu sou feliz, muito feliz, comigo mesmo
Because I am happy, very happy with myself
Posso não ser um band leader
I may not be a band leader
Mas meus amigos, todos eles me respeitam
But all my friends respect me
Essa é a razão da simpatia, do poder e da alegria
That's the reason for my likability, power, and joy
Contributed by Jonathan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.