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.
Eu Só Quero um Xodó
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Que falta me faz um xodó
Mas como eu não tenho ninguém
Eu levo a vida assim tão só
Eu só quero um amor
Que acabe o meu sofrer
Um xodó pra mim
Que alegre o meu viver (diga pretinha)
Que falta eu sinto de um bem
Que falta me faz um xodó
Mas como eu não tenho ninguém
Eu levo a vida assim tão só
Eu só quero um amor
Que acabe o meu sofrer
Um xodó pra mim
Do meu jeito assim
Que alegre o meu viver
Eu só quero um amor
Que acabe o meu sofrer
Um xodó pra mim
Do meu jeito assim
Que alegre o meu viver
The lyrics to Gilberto Gil's "Eu Só Quero um Xodó" express the singer's longing for love and companionship. The first stanza talks about the lack of a partner or "xodó" in the singer's life, which makes it lonely and empty. The second stanza then continues to express the singer's desire for a love that would put an end to their suffering and make them happy. This love, however, is not just any kind of love but a specific kind, a "xodó" that is tailored to the singer's unique tastes and needs.
The word "xodó" itself is a Brazilian Portuguese term that roughly translates to "darling" or "sweetheart". However, in the context of the song, it carries a deeper meaning. A "xodó" is not just any romantic partner, but rather a specific kind of companion who fits the singer's individual desires and whims. The song is essentially a plea for that perfect, one-of-a-kind love that will bring meaning and happiness to the singer's life.
Line by Line Meaning
Que falta eu sinto de um bem
I feel a lack of something good in my life
Que falta me faz um xodó
I miss having a close and affectionate companion
Mas como eu não tenho ninguém
But since I don't have anyone
Eu levo a vida assim tão só
I live my life alone like this
Eu só quero um amor
I just want love
Que acabe o meu sofrer
To end my suffering
Um xodó pra mim
A cherished one for me
Do meu jeito assim
In my own way
Que alegre o meu viver
To bring joy to my life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lucinete Ferreira, Jose Domingos De Moraes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Roberto Bortolo
A primeira vez que ouvi essa música foi em 1976 então com 5 anos indo pescar com meu pai e amigos dele numa represa aqui na zona sul da capital paulista fomos de trem e lá tinha alguém com um radinho de pilhas tocando essa música e toda vez que ouço ela me vem a lembrança do trem de madeira e bancos duros e eu reclamando pra meu pai 😥😥😥
Nelson Ribeiro
en 1976 eu tinha 10 anos
riclb2009
Boa noite amigo. Valorize esta sua lembrança. Foram tempos bons. Com pessoas não voltam mais. Muito especiais.
Hélio Fernando
@Juimar Eusyaquio Só saudades pescando com meu pai nessa época, e ele já se foi !!!
Cezar Romeu Castilho
O poder da arte é isso...
Ficar gravado na mente e nos ouvidos e trazer lindas recordações....
Tenho muitas recordações simples também que para mim são de tamanho valor.
Salve Gilberto Gil e todos os que se mobilizam com suas músicas.
KLZINN FF
Casa da Donna Carmélia. Vitorino. Freire MA velha vitrola
Sou conservador com orgulho.
As músicas antigas faziam com que a gente vivesse as histórias contadas por elas, era se como que a gente participasse de um filme.
Antonilda Alves de Lima Antonilda
Você disse tudo!
Ozaniel Quinto
@IRMÃO KAPRINUS z22r22Erw
Jose Correa
Você tem toda razão,digo para você esses barulhos de hoje não é música, esse povo de hoje São alianado. não tem sentimentos e nem boas recordações abraço.