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.
Easy Skankin
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Easy skanking, easy skanking
Excuse me while I light my spliff
Good God I gotta take a lift
From reality I just can't drift
That's why I am staying with this riff
Got to take it easy, easy skanking
Take it easy, easy skanking
Brother, take easy, easy skanking
We're taking it easy
We taking it slow,
Taking it easy, taking it slow
Take it easy, easy skanking
Got to take it easy, easy skanking
Take it easy, easy skanking
Skanking take it easy
Excuse me while I light my spliff
Oh God I gotta take a lift
From reality I just can't drift
That's why I am staying with this riff
Take it easy, taking it easy
Got to take it easy, taking it slow
Take it easy, taking it easy
Skanking take it easy, taking it slow
Some herb for my wine
Some honey for my strong drink
Herb for my wine, honey for my strong drink
Take it easy, taking it easy
Got to take it easy, skanking it slow
Take it easy, taking it easy
Brother, take it easy, skanking it slow
The lyrics of Gilberto Gil's song "Easy Skanking" express a desire for escapism through the consumption of marijuana. The repetitive chorus of "easy skanking" reflects the laid-back and carefree vibe of the song, encouraging the listener to relax and take it easy. The opening line "excuse me while I light my spliff" is a nod to Bob Marley's song "Easy Skanking," which is about enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
The first verse suggests that the singer needs to take a break from reality, and the only way to do so is by staying with the riff. This is a common theme in reggae music – turning to music and marijuana as a way to escape the struggles of everyday life. The second verse repeats the same sentiment, emphasizing the need to take it easy and slow down.
The bridge introduces the idea of adding something sweet to the singer's wine or strong drink, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for finding pleasure in life despite its difficulties. The repetition of "taking it easy" in the last two lines of the song emphasizes the importance of slowing down and savoring life's simple pleasures.
Overall, "Easy Skanking" is a classic reggae tune that celebrates relaxation, enjoyment of music, and the use of marijuana as a way to escape the stresses of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Easy skanking, easy skanking
Relaxing and enjoying the moment, taking it slow and easy
Excuse me while I light my spliff
Pardon me while I light up a joint
Good God I gotta take a lift
Wow, I need to escape from reality for a bit
From reality I just can't drift
I can't seem to detach from the real world
That's why I am staying with this riff
That's why I am sticking to this rhythm
Take it easy, easy skanking
Slow down and enjoy the moment
We're taking it slow
We're not in a rush
Excuse me while I light my spliff
Pardon me while I light up a joint
Oh God I gotta take a lift
Wow, I need to escape from reality for a bit
Some herb for my wine, some honey for my strong drink
I like to add some relaxation to my indulgences
Skanking take it easy, taking it slow
Relax and enjoy yourself carefree
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Bob Marley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tati Ana
Versão massa demais!!!
Priscila Alessandra
Adoro essa muisica me acalma.....
Aaron Paterson
Bought this CD when it first came out, really love the vocals of Gilberto Gil and the little bit of Brazilian lyrics here and there..
AZZA from AUSTRALIA
EU_LZU 🚥
Tank's you Bro .
From BRASIL Aqui o reggae é forte em alguns lugares!
Drisana Oliveira
😍 reggae é paz
Tiago .Matos
e amor tb
CHARLES BURNS
É TUDO DE BOM !!
CHARLES BURNS
ADOREI !!
☆ - JAM HUON - ☆
👌
Mariana Neves
9 pessoas precisam ficar mais easy.