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.
Ele E Eu
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
E na hora do Porto da Barra fica elétrico
Eu vivo elétrico
E na hora do Porto da Barra fico calmo
Ele vive eletriconsumida, consumada ou mudamente
Bem mais calmo
Porque curte cada golpe do martelo
E na hora do Porto da Barra fica firme
Eu vivo calmargalarga, abertamente
Bem mais louco
Porque espero pelo beijo arrependido
Da serpente do começo
E na hora do Porto da Barra fico aflito
E na hora do Porto da Barra fico aflit
The lyrics of Gilberto Gil's song "Você e Eu" depict two individuals who have opposing ways of dealing with life. The first verse highlights the differences between the two by saying "Ele vive calmo" (He lives calmly) while "Eu vivo elétrico" (I live electric). The contrast is further revealed when they talk about their reactions to the beach of Porto da Barra. While the first one becomes energized at the site of it, the second becomes calm.
The second verse explains a bit more about their character traits. The first man is described as being more relaxed and taking life as it comes - "Porque curte cada golpe do martelo na bigorna do destino" (Because he enjoys every blow of the hammer on the anvil of destiny). Meanwhile, the second person is more erratic and unpredictable - "Porque espero pelo beijo arrependido da serpente do começo" (Because I wait for the regretful kiss of the serpent of the beginning). This causes him to become uneasy at the sight of Porto da Barra.
Line by Line Meaning
Ele vive calmo
He lives calmly
E na hora do Porto da Barra fica elétrico
And at Porto da Barra he becomes electric
Eu vivo elétrico
I live electric
E na hora do Porto da Barra fico calmo
And at Porto da Barra I become calm
Ele vive eletriconsumida, consumada ou mudamente
He lives electrically consumed, consummated or muted
Bem mais calmo
Much calmer
Porque curte cada golpe do martelo
Because he enjoys each blow of the hammer
Na bigorna do destino
On the anvil of fate
E na hora do Porto da Barra fica firme
And at Porto da Barra he stays strong
Eu vivo calmargalarga, abertamente
I live calmly open, freely
Bem mais louco
Much crazier
Porque espero pelo beijo arrependido
Because I wait for the regretful kiss
Da serpente do começo
Of the beginning's serpent
E na hora do Porto da Barra fico aflito
And at Porto da Barra I become anxious
E na hora do Porto da Barra fico aflito
And at Porto da Barra I become anxious
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ellen
Descobri este álbum há alguns anos quando buscava algo acerca da música EXPRESSO 2222 interpretada por João Bosco. Confesso que sou grata à vida por ter tido oportunidade de apreciar tamanha obra-prima! Salve Gil, saúde.
Gu Pereira
Descobri esse álbum hj e já estou devorando consumindo ele demais show arranjos e a linda voz do Gil discaçooo👏👏👏👏
Rogério Pataro
Disponibiliza as letras! grande mestre!
Vinícius
Ele vive calmo
E na hora do Porto da Barra fica elétrico
Eu vivo elétrico
E na hora do Porto da Barra fico calmo
Ele vive eletriconsumida, consumada ou mudamente
Bem mais calmo
Porque curte cada golpe do martelo
Na bigorna do destino
E na hora do Porto da Barra fica firme
Eu vivo calmargalarga, abertamente
Bem mais louco
Porque espero pelo beijo arrependido
Da serpente do começo
E na hora do Porto da Barra fico aflito
E na hora do Porto da Barra fico aflito
Ottyweed NV
❤❤❤❤