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.
Meio De Campo
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Eu continuo aqui mesmo
Aperfeiçoando o imperfeito
Dando um tempo, dando um jeito
Desprezando a perfeição
Que a perfeição é uma meta
Defendida pelo goleiro
Que joga na seleção
Se muito for, eu sou Tostão
Fazer um gol nessa partida não é fácil, meu irmão
In the song "Meio De Campo" by Gilberto Gil, the lyrics speak about the importance of finding a balance between perfection and imperfection. He addresses his friend Afonsinho and tells him that he is still there, working on perfecting imperfection. He emphasizes the idea that perfection is a goal that is defended by the goalkeeper who plays in the national team. As a result, he knows that he can't be perfect like Pelé, but merely Tostão. By acknowledging this, he is able to focus on giving his best and finding a way to manage the "meio de campo" (middle field) of life.
The lyrics of "Meio De Campo" speak of a philosophical and existential theme that touches human emotions across cultures. It tells us that it is better to focus on giving our best and managing our imperfections rather than constantly striving for the unreachable goal of perfection. This applies to our personal life, work life, and anything we undertake. The metaphorical reference to the "middle field" is used to represent the space where we need to function and manage the complexities of life.
Line by Line Meaning
prezado amigo Afonsinho
Dear friend Afonsinho
eu continuo aqui mesmo
I continue here, unchanged
aperfeiçoando o imperfeito
Perfecting imperfections
dando um tempo, dando um jeito
Taking time, finding a way
desprezando a perfeição
Disregarding perfection
que a perfeição é uma meta
As perfection is a goal
defendida pelo goleiro
Advocated by the goalkeeper
que joga na seleção
Who plays for the national team
e eu não sou Pelé nem nada
And I'm no Pelé or anything
se muito for, eu sou Tostão
At most, I'm like Tostão
fazer um gol nessa partida não é fácil, meu irmão
Scoring a goal in this match isn't easy, my brother
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Glauco Copeck XYZ
Prezado amigo Afonsinho
Eu continuo aqui mesmo
Aperfeiçoando o imperfeito
Dando um tempo, dando um jeito
Desprezando a perfeição
Que a perfeição é uma meta
Defendida pelo goleiro
Que joga na seleção
E eu não sou Pelé nem nada
Se muito for, eu sou Tostão
🎶🎵🎼🎼🎵🎶🎼🎼
Fazer um gol nessa partida não é fácil, meu irmão
Dani Baldissera
lindissimo!!!!
vontade de dar um abraço bem apertado no Gil!
o cara é inspiração só.
e a banda maravilhosa tbm, adorei.
Gratidão!!!!
=))
Paula Priscila
Gil é surpreendente, mistura do erudito com o popular
Rafael Gordilho
Simplicidade, melodia e harmonia. Isso é a MPB, isso é Bahia, isso é Gilberto Gil!
Fernando Graça
Essa música me faz lembrar da Elis, que a cantou de uma forma muito única.
Silvando Ferreira
Não tinha costume de escutar musica popular brasileira, agora não paro de ouvir, fico feliz por conhecer mais um artista sensacional é nos Brasil!!
Glauco Copeck XYZ
Prezado amigo Afonsinho
Eu continuo aqui mesmo
Aperfeiçoando o imperfeito
Dando um tempo, dando um jeito
Desprezando a perfeição
Que a perfeição é uma meta
Defendida pelo goleiro
Que joga na seleção
E eu não sou Pelé nem nada
Se muito for, eu sou Tostão
🎶🎵🎼🎼🎵🎶🎼🎼
Fazer um gol nessa partida não é fácil, meu irmão
Nilton Santana Oliveira
Que sonoridade, trabalho magnifico!
Zé lauro Azevedo
MARAVILHOSO !!
Lorena monção
Cheguei aqui após ler um texto no medium sobre música e futebol, e a relação de gilberto e afonsinho!
Que genialidade.❤️
thaty. celos
InacreditavelGil!!! Essas parcerias...<3 orgulho em ser sergipana e ver ali, Mestrinho quebrando TUDO! <3