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.
Olha Pro Céu
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Vê como ele está lindo
Olha praquele balão multicor
Como no céu vai sumindo
Foi numa noite, igual a esta
Que tu me deste o teu coração
O céu estava, assim em festa
Pois era noite de São João
Xóte, baião no salão
E no terreiro
O teu olhar, que incendiou
Meu coração.
The lyrics to Gilberto Gil's song Olha Pro Céu are a nostalgic reflection on a romantic moment shared with the singer's lover on a festive night of São João. The singer implores the lover to look up at the beautiful sky and watch as a multicolored balloon disappears into it. This sight reminds the singer of the night they fell in love - a night filled with celebration and joy. The atmosphere was electric, with balloons in the air, and traditional Brazilian dances like xóte and baião being performed in the salão (hall) and terreiro (yard). The lover's fiery gaze ignited the singer's heart, leading to them giving up their heart to their partner. The song speaks to the power of love and the enduring memories of a joyous past.
Line by Line Meaning
Olha pro céu, meu amor
Look at the sky, my love
Vê como ele está lindo
See how beautiful it is
Olha praquele balão multicor
Look at that multicolored balloon
Como no céu vai sumindo
As it disappears into the sky
Foi numa noite, igual a esta
It was on a night like this
Que tu me deste o teu coração
That you gave me your heart
O céu estava, assim em festa
The sky was in celebration
Pois era noite de São João
Because it was the night of Saint John
Havia balões no ar
There were balloons in the air
Xóte, baião no salão
Xote, baião in the dance hall
E no terreiro
And in the courtyard
O teu olhar, que incendiou
Your gaze, which ignited
Meu coração.
My heart.
Writer(s): LUIZ GONZAGA, JOSE FERNANDES
Contributed by Isabella H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Fernanda p
Olha pro ceu, meu amor
Ve como ele esta lindo
Olha pra aquele balao multicor
Q no ceu vai sumindo
Foi numa noite
Igual a esta
Que tu me deste o teu coraçao
O ceu estava
Assim em festa
Pois era noite de sao joao
Havia baloes no ar
Xote e baiao no salao
E no terreiro do seu olhar
Que incendiou meu coraçao
Maria Clara Mota
Vou dançar essa musica na minha escola , ela é muito legal muito mesmo , "OLHA PRO CÉU MEU AMOR VEJA COMO ELE ESTA LINDO OLHA PRA AQUELE BALÃO MULTICOR QUE LÁ NO CÉU VAI SUBINDO" , KKKKKKKKKKKKK muito legal , A-M-E-I .
Rafael Castello
ISSO É A CARA DO BRASIL !!! : )
Fernanda p
Olha pro ceu, meu amor
Ve como ele esta lindo
Olha pra aquele balao multicor
Q no ceu vai sumindo
Foi numa noite
Igual a esta
Que tu me deste o teu coraçao
O ceu estava
Assim em festa
Pois era noite de sao joao
Havia baloes no ar
Xote e baiao no salao
E no terreiro do seu olhar
Que incendiou meu coraçao
Andre Luiz Cordeiro dos Santos
Simplesmente, SENSACIONAL! Salve a música popular brasileira! Salve, Gil!
Tania Falcao
Sr Giberto Gil obrigada saudades muitas que orgulho 😤de ser nordestina.
MPB Viva!
Fé na Festa!!! Bravo!!! Bravíssimo!!!
Marlene Costa Popolizio
Muito lindo. Saudades de uma festa de São João.
Comer canjica, milho assado. E outros mais.
Aparecida Matos
Isso e Brasil com essas feras nao tem pra ninguem ...Eita baiano bao !!!!!🙌🙋
Grace Walst
Música linda,obrigada Sorín por me mostrar mais da minha propia cultura.
linsmarm
Linda música nordestina!