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.
Rainha Do Mar
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Minha sereia é rainha do mar
O canto dela faz admirar
O canto dela faz admirar
Minha sereia é a moça bonita
Minha sereia é a moça bonita
Nas ondas do mar aonde ela habita
Nas ondas do mar aonde ela habita
Ai, tem dó de ver o meu penar
The lyrics of Gilberto Gil's Rainha Do Mar are centered around a siren who is the queen of the sea. The singer describes this siren as his own, and states that her song is something to be admired. He further describes her as a beautiful girl who resides in the waves of the sea. The final line of this short chorus is a plea to have pity on his suffering.
The concept of a siren is typically associated with Greek mythology and has been referenced in literature, music, and popular culture for centuries. While the singer is referring to a siren as his own, it is important to note that traditionally, sirens are dangerous creatures who used their songs to lure sailors and cause shipwrecks. It is unclear whether or not the singer is aware of the danger associated with sirens or if he is using the idea of a siren as a symbol for an unattainable love.
Line by Line Meaning
My mermaid is the queen of the sea
The singer is expressing his love for his mermaid, who he considers the supreme ruler of the ocean.
My mermaid is the queen of the sea
The repetition of the opening line serves as a reminder of the singer's admiration for his mermaid.
Her singing causes amazement
The beauty of the mermaid's voice is capable of inspiring wonder and awe.
Her singing causes amazement
The repetition of the previous line reinforces the mermaid's singing prowess.
My mermaid is a pretty girl
The singer is emphasizing the mermaid's physical beauty.
My mermaid is a pretty girl
The repetition of the previous line further establishes the mermaid's good looks.
In the waves of the sea where she lives
The mermaid's natural habitat is the ocean and its waves.
In the waves of the sea where she lives
The repetition of the previous line further cements the mermaid's affinity to the sea.
Oh, have compassion for my suffering
The singer is expressing his emotional distress and pleading for sympathy in his state of heartbreak.
Oh, have compassion for my suffering
The repetition of the previous line adds weight to the singer's pain and appeals for mercy.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
M M
Lindo
avani Alves
bom baano Muito lindo adorei
Marcus Cavalcanti
Beautiful