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.
Graça Divina
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
De reter a dor
Graça divina no dom que a aspirina tem
De aspirar a dor
A eficácia da graça divina tem
Um pé na farmácia, outro no amor
Graça divina no som da buzina diz:
Graça divina no olhar da menina diz:
"paz no coração"
A voz humana da graça divina diz:
"dou graças pelas coisas que são"
São matheus, mata de são joão
Madredeus, vitória de santo antão
Mata a saudade, quem há de me dar o prazer
Me levar pro sertão!?
Graça divina na vina, no violão
Toda música
Graça divina no tato, na sensação
Toda física
A proteína da graça divina não
Não está na doutrina mas na meditação
Graça divina que a raça bovina dê
Leite e muito mais
Graça divina que a moça da esquina crê
Que seja um rapaz
Se apaixonando e casando com ela lá
No altar da capela de são brás
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Divine favour in dom that the retina has to hold back pain divine Favour in dom that the aspirin has to inhale to pain the effectiveness of the divine favour has a foot in the pharmacy, another one in the love Divine favour in the sound of the horn says: "well-taken care of, attention" Divine favour in the look of the girl says: "peace in the heart" the voice human being of the divine favour says: "I give favours for the things that are" They are matheus, kills of are Madredeus João, victory of saint antão Mata the homesickness, who has to give to the pleasure to me to take Me pro hinterland? Divine favour in the vina, in the violão All music divine Favour in the tato, in the sensation All physics the protein of the divine favour is not in the doctrine but in the meditation Divine favour that the bovine race gives Milk and much more divine Favour that the young woman of the esquina believes That he is a youngster If getting passionate and marrying it back in the altar of the chapel of they are brás
The lyrics of Gilberto Gil's song "Graça Divina" explore the concept of divine grace and its manifestations in everyday life. The song speaks to the transformative power of grace in various aspects of existence.
The first verse describes the divine grace present in the human capacity to perceive and contain pain. The "retina" symbolizes our ability to retain and hold onto the experience of suffering, while the "aspirin" represents the alleviation and relief it brings. The verse suggests that the efficacy of divine grace lies not only in medication but also in love, emphasizing the transformative potential of both.
The second verse highlights different forms in which divine grace can manifest itself. The sound of a horn serves as a warning, reminding us to be cautious and attentive. The gaze of a young girl signifies the peace that comes from a pure and innocent heart. The human voice expresses gratitude for the things that exist.
The song then references different locations, such as São Matheus and Mata de São João, Madredeus and Vitória de Santo Antão, as well as the longing for the countryside ("sertão") and the pleasure it brings. These references indicate that divine grace transcends geographical boundaries and can be found everywhere.
The following verses explore how divine grace can be experienced through music, touch, and sensation. The reference to the protein of divine grace suggests that it cannot be confined to any particular doctrine but rather found through meditative practices.
The final verse speaks of divine favor in the form of providing nourishment and abundance, as well as in the belief and hope of a young woman finding a suitable partner. The image of marrying in the altar of the chapel of São Brás symbolizes the union of two souls through divine grace.
Overall, Gilberto Gil's "Graça Divina" celebrates the omnipresence and transformative power of divine grace in various aspects of human life, highlighting its ability to alleviate and bring peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Divine favour in dom that the retina has to hold back pain
The divine favour is the ability of the retina to suppress or endure pain
Divine favour in dom that the aspirin has to inhale to pain
The divine favour is the quality of aspirin to alleviate or relieve pain
The effectiveness of the divine favour has a foot in the pharmacy, another one in the love
The divine favour is both found in the functionality of medicine and the power of love
Divine favour in the sound of the horn says: 'well-taken care of, attention'
The divine favour is present in the warning sound of the horn, reminding us to be cautious and attentive
Divine favour in the look of the girl says: 'peace in the heart'
The divine favour is expressed through the peaceful and comforting gaze of a girl
The human voice of the divine favour says: 'I give favours for the things that are'
The divine favour is vocalized by the human voice, expressing gratitude for the existence of things
They are matheus, kills of are Madredeus João, victory of saint antão
These are different places or regions mentioned in the song, each with its own significance
Mata the homesickness, who has to give to the pleasure to me to take Me pro hinterland?
The divine favour is sought after to alleviate the longing and provide the joy of going to the rural countryside
Divine favour in the vina, in the violão All music
The divine favour is present in the musical instruments like guitar and ukulele, encompassing all genres of music
Divine Favour in the tato, in the sensation All physics
The divine favour is experienced through touch and sensations, encompassing all physical experiences
The protein of the divine favour is not in the doctrine but in the meditation
The true essence of the divine favour is not found in religious doctrines, but rather in the practice of meditation
Divine favour that the bovine race gives Milk and much more
The divine favour is symbolized by the ability of cows to provide nourishing milk and other blessings
Divine favour that the young woman of the esquina believes That he is a youngster
The divine favour is reflected in the belief of a young woman from the corner that she will find a suitable partner
If getting passionate and marrying it back in the altar of the chapel of they are brás
The divine favour is sought in the form of falling in love and marrying at the altar of the chapel dedicated to Saint Brás
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GILBERTO GIL MOREIRA, GILBERTO PASSOS GIL MOREIRA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind