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.
Casinha Feliz
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
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Toda casinha feliz
Ainda é vizinha de um riacho
Ainda tem seu pé de caramanchão
Onde resiste o sertão
Toda casinha feliz
Ainda cozinha no fogão de lenha
De dia, Diadorim
De noite, estrela sem fim
É o grande sertão Veredas
Reino da Jabuticaba
As minas de Guimarães Rosa
De ouro que não se acaba
Onde resiste o sertão
Toda casinha é feliz
Porque à tardinha tem Ave Maria
E o beijo da solidão
The lyrics of Gilberto Gil's song "Casinha Feliz" evoke the image of a simple and contented way of life in the countryside, where small houses stand proudly in defiance of the harshness of the sertão (semi-arid hinterland) and its challenges. The song paints a picture of a happy and peaceful existence, where the sound of a nearby creek and the shade of a caramanchão tree are enough to create a sense of comfort and belonging. The image of the fogão de lenha (wood-fired stove) or the fogareiro de carvão (coal stove) conjures up memories of home-cooked meals and a traditional way of preparing food that connects generations.
The references to Guimarães Rosa's novel, "Grande Sertão: Veredas", add a layer of cultural depth to the song's message. The novel is a classic of Brazilian literature, portraying life and struggles in the region of the sertão from the perspective of the singer, Riobaldo. The mention of Diadorim, a gender-fluid character who captures Riobaldo's heart, suggests the complexity and diversity of human experience that can be found even in the harshest and seemingly barren of landscapes. The allusion to the "minas de Guimarães Rosa" establishes a sense of pride and heritage for the history and culture of the region.
Overall, "Casinha Feliz" can be seen as a tribute to the resilience and beauty of rural life in Brazil, and to the power of simplicity and community to create happiness and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
Onde resiste o sertão
In the wilderness, where life is hard, there is still joy and resilience.
Toda casinha feliz
Even the humblest of homes can be a happy one.
Ainda é vizinha de um riacho
The home is still situated near a stream or creek.
Ainda tem seu pé de caramanchão
A tree's shade still provides a respite from the sun.
Ainda cozinha no fogão de lenha
Cooking is still done with traditional methods such as wood stoves or charcoal grills.
Ou fogareiro de carvão
Charcoal burners are also used for cooking.
De dia, Diadorim
During the day, the character Diadorim is a prominent figure in the novel.
De noite, estrela sem fim
At night, the stars continue to shine endlessly.
É o grande sertão Veredas
This is the vast landscape of the Sertão, as portrayed in the novel Grande Sertão: Veredas.
Reino da Jabuticaba
This is the land of the Jabuticaba fruit, commonly found in Brazilian cuisine.
As minas de Guimarães Rosa
These are the mines and other natural resources mentioned in Guimarães Rosa's writing.
De ouro que não se acaba
These resources seem to be never-ending.
Porque à tardinha tem Ave Maria
At sunset, the community comes together to pray the Ave Maria.
E o beijo da solidão
Perhaps in solitude or alone-time, one can still find contentment and peace.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GILBERTO GIL MOREIRA, GILBERTO PASSOS GIL MOREIRA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind