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.
Batmakumba
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Batmakumbayêyê batmakumbao
Batmakumbayêyê batmakumba
Batmakumbayêyê batmakum
Batmakumbayêyê batman
Batmakumbayêyê bat
Batmakumbayêyê ba
Batmakumbayêyê
Batmakumba
Batmakum
Batman
Bat
Ba
Bat
Batman
Batmakum
Batmakumba
Batmakumbayê
Batmakumbayêyê
Batmakumbayêyê ba
Batmakumbayêyê bat
Batmakumbayêyê batman
Batmakumbayêyê batmakum
Batmakumbayêyê batmakumbao
Batmakumbayêyê batmakumbaoba
The lyrics to Gilberto Gil's song "Batmakumba" are nonsensical and do not have a clear meaning or message. The verses consist solely of repetitions of the word "Batmakumba" in different variations and arrangements, with no discernible storyline or theme.
However, the song's appeal lies in its energetic rhythm and catchy melody, which encourage listeners to dance and sing along. The lively percussion, electric guitars, and Gil's smooth vocals blend together to create a vibrant and joyful sound.
It is up to the individual listener to interpret the lyrics of "Batmakumba" in their own way, whether as a celebration of life and music, a call to dance and let loose, or simply a fun and infectious song to enjoy.
Line by Line Meaning
Batmakumbayêyê batmakumbaoba
The name of the song, repeated multiple times
Batmakumbayêyê batmakumbao
Another repetition of the song's title
Batmakumbayêyê batmakumba
Continuing to repeat the name of batmakumba
Batmakumbayêyê batmakum
Shortened version of the name, still referencing batmakumba
Batmakumbayêyê batman
Potentially referencing the DC character, not clear how it relates to the rest of the song
Batmakumbayêyê bat
Further shortening of the name, continuing to solely reference batmakumba
Batmakumbayêyê ba
Further shortening of the name, potentially emphasizing its importance within the song
Batmakumbayêyê
Further shortening of the name, showing how integral it is to the song
Batmakumbayê
Shortest version of the name, still making it the focus of the song
Batmakumba
The full name of the song, once again bringing it back to the forefront
Batmakum
Another shortened version of the name, potentially to keep it interesting
Batman
Reference to the superhero, unclear why it is included in the song
Bat
Shortened version of the name, potentially used for rhythmic purposes or to make it catchier
Ba
Further shortened version of the name, still referencing batmakumba
Bat
Another repetition of the shortened name
Batman
Repeating the reference to the superhero, not entirely clear why it continues to be included
Batmakum
Reiterating the shortened version of the name, potentially for emphasis
Batmakumba
The full name of the song, once again repeating it to keep it at the forefront
Batmakumbayê
Using an accent to slightly alter the pronunciation of the name, while still keeping it relevant
Batmakumbayêyê
Repeating the slightly altered pronunciation of the name, perhaps to make it sound more interesting
Batmakumbayêyê ba
Yet another shortened version of the name, still keeping it relevant
Batmakumbayêyê bat
Repeating the shortened name
Batmakumbayêyê batman
Reiterating the reference to the superhero, potentially for no clear reason
Batmakumbayêyê batmakum
Repeating the shortened version of the name
Batmakumbayêyê batmakumbao
Repeating one of the earlier variations of the name
Batmakumbayêyê batmakumbaoba
Once again repeating the original name of the song
Contributed by Sophia G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.