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.
Essa
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Essa é pra tocar no rádio
Essa é pra vencer o tédio
Quando pintar
Essa é um santo remédio
Pro mau humor
Essa é pro chofer de táxi
Essa é pro querido ouvinte
Do interior
Essa é pra tocar no rádio
Essa é pra tocar no rádio
Essa é pra sair de casa
Pra trabalhar
Essa é pro rapaz da loja
Transar melhor
Essa é pra depois do almoço
Moço do bar
Essa é pra moça dengosa
Fazer amor
Essa é pra tocar no rádio
Essa é pra tocar no rádio
Gilberto Gil's song "Essa é pra tocar no rádio" is a lively and upbeat tune that celebrates the joy and power of music. The lyrics are a series of short verses, each addressing a different audience and suggesting a different use for the song. The opening verses suggest that the song is meant to combat boredom and bad moods, urging those who hear it to stay alert and engaged. The following verses suggest that the song can help people in various ways, from improving their sex lives to inspiring them to go out and get to work.
At its core, "Essa é pra tocar no rádio" is a song about the transformative power of music, and the way that it can inspire and uplift people in all different walks of life. Whether you're a taxi driver, a store clerk, or a lovestruck young couple, Gil suggests that this song can help to make your day a little bit brighter and more fulfilling.
Line by Line Meaning
Essa é pra tocar no rádio
This is a song that deserves to be played on the radio.
Essa é pra vencer o tédio
This song is meant to beat boredom.
Quando pintar
Whenever it shows up.
Essa é um santo remédio
It's a holy remedy.
Pro mau humor
For anyone in a bad mood.
Essa é pro chofer de táxi
The taxi driver needs this song.
Não cochilar
To not fall asleep at the wheel.
Essa é pro querido ouvinte
This one's for the beloved listener.
Do interior
From small towns and rural areas.
Essa é pra sair de casa
This song is meant for leaving the house.
Pra trabalhar
To go to work.
Essa é pro rapaz da loja
For the young man working at the store.
Transar melhor
To have better sex.
Essa é pra depois do almoço
This song is meant for after lunch.
Moço do bar
The bartender.
Essa é pra moça dengosa
For the playful, flirtatious woman.
Fazer amor
To make love.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ou você ama o mundo ou você segue a Deus.
ESSA DEVERIA TER TOCADO NO RÁDIO, INFELIZMENTE NUNCA TOCOU !!! ACHO ATÉ BOM, POIS ELA NÃO FICA NO MESMO NÍVEL DAS TRANQUEIRAS QUE TOCAM NO RÁDIO ATUALMENTE !!! É UMA MÚSICA SUPERIOR, UM ROCK SINCOPADO, SEI LÁ !!! LINDA CANÇÃO, ASSIM COMO TODAS DO GRANDE REI GIL !!!
E DOMINGUINHOS ENTRANDO TAMBÉM NO ROCK, E FAZENDO O CORTINADO COM O ACORDEON !!!
Gabriel Lima
Não entendeu nada, Kakaroto
vanmnemosine
PERFEITO CLÁSSICO JAZZ/ROCK !!!
Elizabeth Curcio
Salve, salve Gil. Essa é para tocar e ouvir por toda uma vida. Axé Gil
Rogerio Souza
Grande Gil, infelizmente existem pessoas que não entendem esse tipo de som, e é grande parte, por isso que não toca no rádio.
Marcos Ferreira
Tutty Moreno quebrando tudo nesse groove na batera
Dr. A.D. Mobley
deleite fresco!
Bruno Cavalcante
FODA!!
Virada Estrutura
Aqui Gil brinca com a metalinguagem, atribuindo os predicados de uma boa canção de sucesso. Brincadeira com o processo de produzir e distribuir músicas. Ironicamente pela sua complexidade essa faixa jamais seria um sucesso radiofônico. Mas o disco traz sim carros-chefe. Show!
Gabriel Lima
É um Tempos Modernos (Chaplin) da canção nacional.