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.
Oriente
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Se oriente, rapaz
Pela constelação do Cruzeiro do Sul
Se oriente, rapaz
Pela constatação de que a aranha
Vive do que tece
Vê se não se esquece
Consideração
Considere, rapaz
A possibilidade de ir pro Japão
Num cargueiro do Lloyd lavando o porão
Pela curiosidade de ver
Onde o sol se esconde
Vê se compreende
Pela simples razão de que tudo depende
De determinação
Determine, rapaz
Onde vai ser seu curso de pós-graduação
Se oriente, rapaz
Pela rotação da Terra em torno do Sol
Sorridente, rapaz
Pela continuidade do sonho de Adão
Se oriente, rapaz
Pela constelação do Cruzeiro do Sul
Se oriente, rapaz
Pela constatação de que a aranha
Vive do que tece
Vê se não se esquece
Pela simples razão de que tudo merece
Consideração
Considere, rapaz
A possibilidade de ir pro Japão
Num cargueiro do Lloyd lavando o porão
Pela curiosidade de ver
Onde o sol se esconde
Vê se compreende
Pela simples razão de que tudo depende
De determinação
Determine, rapaz
Onde vai ser seu curso de pós-graduação
Se oriente, rapaz
Pela rotação da Terra em torno do Sol
Sorridente, rapaz
Pela continuidade do sonho de Adão
The song "Oriente" by Gilberto Gil is a call to a young man to be guided by different aspects of life in order to find his way. The first verse encourages him to find direction by looking at the Southern Cross constellation, which is often used as a navigation tool in the southern hemisphere. It also reminds him that the spider lives off of the web it spins, suggesting that hard work and dedication are important in achieving one's goals. The chorus reinforces the idea that everything deserves consideration and respect.
The second verse advises the young man to consider the possibility of traveling to Japan on a cargo ship, despite the difficult and grueling nature of the journey. This is meant to show that sometimes taking risks can open up new opportunities and experiences. The verse also emphasizes the importance of understanding that everything depends on determination.
The final verse encourages the young man to determine his own future by choosing a postgraduate course, and reminds him to consider the rotation of the Earth around the sun in finding his way. The use of the word "sorridente" (smiling) suggests that he should approach life with joy and optimism, and keep the dreams of Adam alive.
Line by Line Meaning
Se oriente, rapaz
Guide yourself, young man
Pela constelação do Cruzeiro do Sul
By the constellation of the Southern Cross
Pela constatação de que a aranha Vive do que tece
By the realization that the spider lives off of what it weaves
Vê se não se esquece Pela simples razão de que tudo merece Consideração
Make sure you don't forget, for the simple reason that everything deserves consideration
Considere, rapaz A possibilidade de ir pro Japão Num cargueiro do Lloyd lavando o porão
Consider, young man, the possibility of going to Japan on a Lloyd cargo ship while cleaning the hold
Pela curiosidade de ver Onde o sol se esconde
Out of curiosity to see where the sun hides
Vê se compreende Pela simples razão de que tudo depende De determinação
See if you understand, for the simple reason that everything depends on determination
Determine, rapaz Onde vai ser seu curso de pós-graduação
Determine, young man, where your postgraduate course will be
Se oriente, rapaz Pela rotação da Terra em torno do Sol
Guide yourself, young man, by the rotation of the Earth around the Sun
Sorridente, rapaz Pela continuidade do sonho de Adão
Smiling, young man, for the continuity of Adam's dream
Repolho, no berimbau
Cabbage, in the berimbau
Lyrics © Tratore
Written by: Gilberto Passos Gil Moreira
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@raissapimentel6740
Se oriente, rapaz
Pela constelação do Cruzeiro do Sul
Se oriente, rapaz
Pela constatação de que a aranha
Vive do que tece
Vê se não se esquece
Pela simples razão de que tudo merece
Consideração
Considere, rapaz
A possibilidade de ir pro Japão
Num cargueiro do Lloyd lavando o porão
Pela curiosidade de ver
Onde o sol se esconde
Vê se compreende
Pela simples razão de que tudo depende
De determinação
Determine, rapaz
Onde vai ser seu curso de pós-graduação
Se oriente, rapaz
Pela rotação da Terra em torno do Sol
Sorridente, rapaz
Pela continuidade do sonho de Adão
@AlfredoRossetti
Pautou o destino de muitos amigos de minha geração, esta música. Grande.
@yurungai5459
Olha essa violão gente, essa letra...sem condições com mestre Gil!!!! ❤️💛💚
@paulocruz2285
Tempo bom. Geração criativa. Dava gosto escutar os discos. Cada faixa uma SURPRESA!
@guilhermefrancisco5260
Essa canção dá vontade de ir embora.
@josecarlosgoes410
ETERNO GIL!
@paulaherrera7075
linda música <3
@MariaMadalena-vp9oi
Genialidade é assim
Nem mais!
@josembichara7203
Sensacional!!!! Ontem, hoje e sempre............
@edinoelsoaressoares9311
Essa música e os dias atuais tudo a ver
@dalilafontelesmauler3848
Como eu amo você, Gilberto Gil.