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.
No Norte Da Saudade
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pra não ter porém
Pra não ter noite passada
Pra não ter ninguém
Atrás
Mais ninguém
Vou pra quem
Vai me ver noutra cidade
Meu bem, meu bem
Vai me ver noutra cidade
No norte da saudade, que eu vou ver meu bem
Meu bem, meu bem
The lyrics of Gilberto Gil's "No Norte Da Saudade" tells the story of a man who sets out on a journey to see his loved one who lives in another city. The first verse describes his eagerness to leave early and avoid any delay or encounter with any person. He wants to embark on this journey as quickly as possible to reach his destination, where he can reunite with his love. In the second verse, he repeats his desire to meet his loved one in the "norte da saudade," which translates to "north of nostalgia." This can be interpreted as a place where he feels his memories of his loved one are preserved.
The lyrics suggest that the journey is a long and arduous one, but it is all worth it when he reaches the "north of nostalgia." The song creates an imagery of two people who may be physically far apart from each other and are longing to meet each other. Despite the challenges, they are willing to overcome all obstacles to reunite. Overall, "No Norte Da Saudade" is a beautiful song about love, longing, and the power of memories.
Line by Line Meaning
Logo cedo, pé na estrada
Early in the morning, I hit the road
Pra não ter porém
To avoid any issues
Pra não ter noite passada
To avoid spending the night somewhere
Pra não ter ninguém atrás
So that no one is following me
Mais ninguém
Absolutely no one
Vou pra quem vai me ver noutra cidade
I'm traveling to another city to see my loved one
No norte da saudade, que eu vou ver meu bem
In the northern region of nostalgia, where I'll see my beloved
Meu bem, meu bem
My dear, my dear
Vai me ver noutra cidade
Will see me in another city
No norte da saudade, que eu vou ver meu bem
In the northern region of nostalgia, where I'll see my beloved
Meu bem, meu bem
My dear, my dear
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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