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.
O Amor Daqui de Casa
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A chuva não dá sinal
Quem no mel seu mal padece
Seu bem conserva no sal
Vai doer de novo o parto
Vai secar de novo o açude
Vida aqui tem sala e quarto
O amor daqui de casa
Tem um sentimento forte
Que nem gemido na telha
Quando sopra o vento norte
Que nem cheiro de boi morto
Três dias depois da morte
Quem só conhece conforto
Não merece boa sorte
O amor daqui de casa
Tem um sentimento nu
Com gosto de umbú travoso
Com cheiro de couro cru
O amor daqui de casa
Bate asas no verão
Faz parte da natureza
É arte do coração
The lyrics of Gilberto Gil's "O Amor Daqui de Casa" are poetic and rich in metaphors, portraying a sense of belonging and rootedness. The opening lines "A menstruação não desce, A chuva não dá sinal" may refer to the idea of fertility and rain being a symbol of abundance and growth. The subsequent lines "Quem no mel seu mal padece, Seu bem conserva no sal" suggest that those who learn from their mistakes can preserve their happiness and wellbeing.
The following lines "Vai doer de novo o parto, Vai secar de novo o açude" could indicate the cyclical nature of life, with recurring pains and challenges. The line "Quem não couber que se mude" could imply that those who don't fit in or can't adapt should look for somewhere else to go.
The chorus talks about the power of love that comes from home with strong emotions, like the sound of wind whistling through the roof and the smell of dead cattle, which could refer to the raw and unfiltered emotions that come with family love. The love from home is described as natural and pure, like the taste of wild fruit and the smell of fresh leather. It is something that is part of the heart and cannot be forgotten.
Overall, "O Amor Daqui de Casa" is a beautiful tribute to the power of familial love, roots, and a sense of home.
Line by Line Meaning
A menstruação não desce
Life here doesn't always follow predictable patterns
A chuva não dá sinal
The weather can be unpredictable and not give warning
Quem no mel seu mal padece / Seu bem conserva no sal
Those who have experienced hardship know how to appreciate the good times and save for the future
Vai doer de novo o parto / Vai secar de novo o açude
Life involves repeated cycles of pain and difficulty, but also moments of prosperity and joy
Vida aqui tem sala e quarto / Quem não couber que se mude
Life here is simple and straightforward, and those who can't handle it should find somewhere else to live
O amor daqui de casa / Tem um sentimento forte / Que nem gemido na telha / Quando sopra o vento norte
Love here at home is passionate and intense, like the sound of a groaning roof in a strong northern wind
Que nem cheiro de boi morto / Três dias depois da morte / Quem só conhece conforto / Não merece boa sorte
Love at home is raw and honest, like the smell of a dead cow three days later; those who have only known luxury and comfort don't deserve good fortune
O amor daqui de casa / Tem um sentimento nu / Com gosto de umbú travoso / Com cheiro de couro cru
Love here at home is stripped down and authentic, with a flavor and smell that might be disagreeable but is ultimately genuine
O amor daqui de casa / Bate asas no verão / Faz parte da natureza / É arte do coração
Love here at home is like a bird taking flight in the summer, a natural and instinctual expression of the heart
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Gilberto Gil
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind