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.
Cara Cara
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
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Danças, danças, danças, danças, danças
Na multidão
Veja se de vez em quando encontra
Contra, contra, contra
Os pedaços do meu coração
Tira essa máscara
Quero ver você
No trio elétrico rico
Rico, rico, rico, rico, rico desendoidecer
De alegria, ria, ria, ria, ria
Que a luz se irradia dia, dia, dia, dia
Dia de sol na Bahia
The lyrics of the song Cara Cara by Gilberto Gil are full of lively energy, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Bahia, the northeastern state of Brazil. The song invites the listener to join in the celebrations and dance in the crowd, while the singer asks the object of his affection to reveal their true self without any masks. The repetition of the word "danças" (dance) emphasizes the importance of movement and rhythm in the song, while the phrase "os pedaços do meu coração" (the pieces of my heart) suggests that the singer is searching for love and connection.
The chorus of the song, "tira essa máscara, cara a cara" (take off that mask, face to face), emphasizes the importance of authenticity and honesty in relationships. The use of the term "cara a cara" (face to face) emphasizes the need for direct communication and lack of pretense. The singer wants to see the person he's interested in join him on the "trio elétrico" (a type of mobile stage widely used during Carnival parades), where they can embrace the frenzied atmosphere and "desendoidecer" (go crazy) with joy.
Overall, the lyrics of Cara Cara reflect the lively and joyful spirit of Carnival in Bahia, while touching on themes of love and authenticity.
Line by Line Meaning
Nas suas andanças
During your trips
Danças, danças, danças, danças, danças
Dances, dances, dances, dances, dances
Na multidão
In the crowd
Veja se de vez em quando encontra
See if sometimes you find
Contra, contra, contra
Against, against, against
Os pedaços do meu coração
The pieces of my heart
Tira essa máscara
Take off that mask
Cara a cara, cara a cara, cara a cara
Face to face, face to face, face to face
Quero ver você
I want to see you
No trio elétrico rico
On the rich electric trio
Rico, rico, rico, rico, rico desendoidecer
Get crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy with happiness
De alegria, ria, ria, ria, ria
With joy, laugh, laugh, laugh, laugh
Que a luz se irradia dia, dia, dia, dia
That the light radiates day, day, day, day
Dia de sol na Bahia
A sunny day in Bahia
Lyrics © TERRA ENTERPRISES, INC.
Written by: CAETANO VELOSO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind