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.
Escurinho
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Agora está com a mania de brigão
Parece praga de madrinha ou macumba
De alguma escurinha que ele fez ingratidão
Saiu de cana ainda não faz uma semana
Já a mulher do Zé Pretinho carregou
Botou embaixo o tabuleiro da baiana
Já foi no Morro do Bixiga procurar intriga
Já foi no Morro do Macaco
Já bateu num bamba
Já foi no Morro do Mosquito procurar conflito
Ja foi no Morro do Pinto acabar com o samba
In Gilberto Gil's song "Escurinho", the lyrics tell the story of a man with a troubled past who goes by the nickname "Escurinho", which translates to "Little Dark One". Though he used to be a well-behaved man, he has recently taken up the habit of fighting and causing trouble. The lyrics suggest that this may be a result of a curse or revenge from a woman he wronged. The song goes on to list specific instances in which Escurinho has been involved in fights and confrontations, including beating up a respected musician and causing trouble in various neighborhoods.
The song is a commentary on the cycles of violence and the consequences of one's actions. Escurinho's past catches up with him, and he finds himself in jail, while others suffer the consequences of his choices. The lyrics also touch on themes of loyalty, trust, and the importance of paying one's debts.
Overall, "Escurinho" is a powerful and poignant song that sheds light on complex social issues and human behavior. Gilberto Gil's use of language and storytelling creates a vivid picture of the character and the world around him.
Line by Line Meaning
O escurinho era um escuro direitinho
The dark corner used to be a quiet and peaceful place
Agora está com a mania de brigão
Now, it has become a place where troublemakers like to hang out
Parece praga de madrinha ou macumba
It seems like a curse from an offended godmother or a witchcraft spell
De alguma escurinha que ele fez ingratidão
Perhaps someone felt betrayed by him and cast a spell of revenge
Saiu de cana ainda não faz uma semana
He only got out of jail less than a week ago
Já a mulher do Zé Pretinho carregou
He already got into trouble with Zé Pretinho's wife
Botou embaixo o tabuleiro da baiana
She knocked over the food stand of the street vendor from Bahia
Porque pediu fiado e ela não fiou
Because he asked for credit and didn't pay his debts
Já foi no Morro do Bixiga procurar intriga
He went to the Bixiga Hill to pick a fight
Já foi no Morro do Macaco
He also went to the Monkey Hill
Já bateu num bamba
He even assaulted a well-respected musician
Já foi no Morro do Mosquito procurar conflito
He went to the Mosquito Hill looking for trouble
Ja foi no Morro do Pinto acabar com o samba
He tried to ruin the samba party at the Pinto Hill
Contributed by Carson L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.