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.
Ciência E Arte
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tu és meu Brasil em toda parte
Quer na ciência ou na arte
Portentoso e altaneiro
Os homens que escreveram tua história
Conquistaram tuas glórias
Epopéias triunfais
Reviver glorificando os homens teus
Levá-los ao panteon dos grandes imortais
Pois merecem muito mais
Não querendo levá-los ao cume da altura
Cientistas tu tens e tens cultura
E neste rude poema destes pobres vates
Há sábios como Pedro Américo e Cesar Lattes
The lyrics of Gilberto Gil's song Ciência E Arte pay homage to Brazil, describing the country as a powerful and proud force in both science and art. The song acknowledges the remarkable achievements of the individuals who helped shape Brazil's history, recognizing their triumphs and contributions. The writer of the song wants to celebrate the remarkable people and elevate them to the level of great immortals in the pantheon of history. The song recognizes the great scientific achievements of Brazil, including famous scientists like Pedro Américo and Cesar Lattes, as well as the country's rich cultural heritage.
The lyrics highlight the importance and value of both science and art, emphasizing that they are equally vital to Brazil's success and identity. The song expresses a deep sense of pride in Brazil's accomplishments and celebrates the individuals who made them possible. The writer's admiration for Brazil and its people is evident throughout the song, urging its listeners to embrace and appreciate the country's heritage.
Line by Line Meaning
Tu és meu Brasil em toda parte
You, my Brazil, are present in every corner
Quer na ciência ou na arte
Whether in science or art
Portentoso e altaneiro
Majestic and lofty
Os homens que escreveram tua história
The men who wrote your history
Conquistaram tuas glórias
Conquered your glories
Epopéias triunfais
Triumphal epics
Quero neste pobre enredo
In this poor plot I want
Reviver glorificando os homens teus
To honor and revive your men
Levá-los ao panteon dos grandes imortais
To elevate them to the pantheon of the great immortals
Pois merecem muito mais
Because they deserve much more
Não querendo levá-los ao cume da altura
Not intending to take them to great heights
Cientistas tu tens e tens cultura
You have scientists and culture
E neste rude poema destes pobres vates
And in this rough poem by these poor poets
Há sábios como Pedro Américo e Cesar Lattes
There are wise men like Pedro Américo and Cesar Lattes
Contributed by Micah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.