He began his career as a bossa nova musician, but soon began writing songs that reflected a new focus on political awareness and social activism, along with fellow singer Caetano Veloso. In the 1970s, Gil added new elements of African and North American music to his already broad palette, and continued to release a steady stream of albums, including Realce and Refazenda. João Gilberto recorded Gil's "Eu Vim da Bahia" ("I Came from Bahia") on his classic João Gilberto LP.
In 1969, Gil and Veloso, whose status in Brazil was, and is, equivalent to that of John Lennon and Paul McCartney in the English-speaking world, were arrested by the military government of Brazil for anti-government activities. Upon their release, the pair both moved to London. Gil began playing with groups like Yes, Pink Floyd and The Incredible String Band, while continuing his solo career. In the 1970s, he toured the US and recorded an English-language album. He worked with Jimmy Cliff and released in 1980 a cover of "No Woman, No Cry" (Bob Marley & the Wailers) that was a massive hit and introduced reggae to Brazil.
Gil continued recording, performing and involving himself in various social causes, and was eventually elected a city councillor in his home town Salvador in 1989. His 1993 album with Caetano Veloso, Tropicália 2, featured a cover of a Jimi Hendrix song, "Wait Until Tomorrow", and is regarded as one of his finest efforts since the late 1960s.
When President Lula da Silva took office in January 2003, he chose Gil to serve as Brazil's new Minister of Culture, a post he held until 2008. While minister, Gil released his songs "Refazenda", "Rebento" and "Refavela" under the Creative Commons Sampling License.
In May 2005 Gil was awarded the Polar Music Prize in Stockholm, Sweden. He was the first Latin American recipient of the annual award, which was given to him by the King of Sweden. Gil also performed four songs in an outdoors concert the day before the award show and again at the show with only two songs, accompanied by Jimmy Cliff.
In September 2005 he was awarded the Légion d'honneur from the French Government. This coincided with the Année du Brésil en France (Brazil's Year in France).
His daughter Preta Gil is also a musician.
A última valsa
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
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Me alça
No astral
A espiral é de fumaça
E o pensamento é de cristal
The lyrics in Gilberto Gil's song "A última valsa" speak about elevation and the transcendental experience of dance. The words "me alça" translate to "lift me up", which implies a lifting of the soul and the spirit that comes with the act of dancing. The singer is taken on a journey through time and space, as represented by the spiral of smoke that surrounds them.
The second line of the lyrics speaks to the singer's mental state while dancing. "O pensamento é de cristal" translates to "the thought is of crystal", which suggests a clear and focused state of mind. In this way, the song is both an ode to the joy of dance and a celebration of the mental and emotional benefits that come with it.
In essence, the lyrics of "A última valsa" paint a portrait of the transformative power of dance. The song suggests that dance can serve as a path towards enlightenment and a way to elevate one's self to a higher plane of existence.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GILBERTO GIL, GILBERTO MOREIRA, GILBERTO PASSOS GIL MOREIRA, ROGERIO DUARTE, ROGERIO DUARTE GUIMARAES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind