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.
Maria Minha
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sai dessa cozinha, o café pode esperar
Vem ficar na rede que eu armei
Pra nós se amar
Vem se balançar
Brincar de vai e vem
Maria minha
Vem que eu faço gosto como sempre fiz
Vem, minha rainha
Diz que eu sou seu rei
Vem, vida minha
Em minha vida vem reinar
Vontade minha
É vontade de te agradar
E como o fim da linha nem sempre é ponto final
O amor de todo dia é o mesmo sem ser igual
Também com tanto dengo, com tanto chamego
Te peço, Maria minha, não me dê sossego
In Gilberto Gil's song "Maria Minha," he is inviting his lover, Maria, to come and relax with him on a hammock that he has set up. He tells her to leave the kitchen, as the coffee can wait, and to come and play with him on the hammock. He expresses his willingness to make her happy, as he has always done, and asks her to call him her king, while she is his queen. He wants her to reign in his life and it’s his will to please her. Gil makes a metaphorical comparison, saying that just like the end of a line isn't always the final point, the everyday love they share is always the same, yet different.
The song essentially describes a simple country life, where love and connection are the main focus. The household chores are put on hold and the love of two people becomes the most important thing. The song is beautifully poetic, as Gil expresses his love for Maria through imagery, while also asking her to reciprocate her love and affection towards him through playful, teasing language. The song's melody and rhythm create an ambiance of a lazy summer afternoon and the powerful feeling of young love. This beautiful ballad stands as a tribute to the power of simple love, bonding, and intertwined emotions and desires between two people.
Line by Line Meaning
Maria minha
The singer addresses Maria,
Sai dessa cozinha, o café pode esperar
He insists that Maria leave her chores in the kitchen as he wants her to join him in the hammock,
Vem ficar na rede que eu armei
The singer has set up the hammock for both of them to relax and enjoy each other's company,
Pra nós se amar
He wants them to spend quality time together, enjoy each other's presence, and express their love to each other,
Vem se balançar
He wants Maria to join him on the hammock and sway together as a romantic gesture,
Brincar de vai e vem
He wants to play a game of give and take, indicating the dynamism of their relationship,
Vem que eu tô disposto a te fazer feliz
The singer expresses his willingness to make Maria happy and fulfill her desires with love and affection,
Vem que eu faço gosto como sempre fiz
The artist assures Maria that he will continue to treat her in the way that pleases her and that he has always done,
Vem, minha rainha
The artist praises Maria, calling her his queen and showing his love and admiration for her,
Diz que eu sou seu rei
He asks Maria to declare him as the king of her heart and make him feel loved,
Vem, vida minha
He affectionately calls Maria 'my life' and asks her to come into his life,
Em minha vida vem reinar
The artist asks Maria to reign in his life and bring happiness and joy,
Vontade minha
The singer expresses his desire and wish to please Maria,
É vontade de te agradar
He expresses his intention to do everything possible to make Maria happy and satisfied,
E como o fim da linha nem sempre é ponto final
The singer reflects on how the end of a relationship is not necessarily the end of love and affection,
O amor de todo dia é o mesmo sem ser igual
He talks about how their everyday love, although consistent, is not like any other and has its own unique nuances,
Também com tanto dengo, com tanto chamego
The artist acknowledges his constant desire to shower Maria with love and affection,
Te peço, Maria minha, não me dê sossego
He playfully pleads with Maria to not give him too much rest and keep their love and desire for each other alive and exciting,
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Targino Gondim, Eliezer OtIlio Setton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Moisés Gomes
que maravilha de canção
Byanca Mendes
amei essa música
tamires santos
perfeita essa música
Cássia Moruz
Adoro essa música lindaaaaa
tamires santos
lindaaaaa
Alice
Lindo
Adm. Daniel Sousa 1
Sou fã de Gil