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.
Realce
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
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O que a gente pode, pode
O que a gente não pode, explodirá
A força é bruta
E a fonte da força é neutra
E de repente a gente poderá
Realce, realce
Realce, realce
Com a cor do veludo
Com amor, com tudo
De real teor de beleza
Não se impaciente
O que a gente sente, sente
Ainda que não se tente, afetará
O afeto é fogo
E o modo do fogo é quente
E de repente a gente queimará
Realce, realce
Quanto mais parafina, melhor
Realce, realce
Com a cor do veludo
Com amor, com tudo
De real teor de beleza
Não desespere
Quando a vida fere, fere
E nenhum mágico interferirá
Se a vida fere
Como a sensação do brilho
De repente a gente brilhará
Realce, realce
Quanto mais serpentina, melhor
Realce, realce
Com a cor do veludo
Com amor, com tudo
De real teor de beleza
In Gilberto Gil's song "Realce", the lyrics talk about embracing one's true self and being confident in who you are. The first verse talks about not worrying about what one can or cannot do, as any limitations will eventually be overcome. The chorus emphasizes the importance of being flashy and vibrant, as this will enhance one's beauty. The second verse tells the listener not to become impatient, as one's emotions can be just as strong as physical force. The chorus is repeated, with the same message of brightening oneself up. The final verse talks about not giving up when life gets difficult, as these struggles can eventually lead to shining brightly.
It's clear that the overarching message of the song is that one should never hide their true self and should always strive to be the best version of themselves, even when faced with challenges. The use of bright and flashy imagery throughout the song emphasizes the importance of being confident and standing out in order to be truly beautiful.
Overall, "Realce" is a song with inspiring lyrics encouraging self-love and confidence. The catchy melody and beats of the song make it enjoyable to listen to, while the meaningful lyrics resonate with listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Não se incomode
Don't worry
O que a gente pode, pode
What we can do, we can do
O que a gente não pode, explodirá
What we can't do, will explode
A força é bruta
Force is brutal
E a fonte da força é neutra
And the source of force is neutral
E de repente a gente poderá
And suddenly we can
Realce, realce
Enhance, enhance
Quanto mais purpurina, melhor
The more glitter, the better
Com a cor do veludo
With the color of velvet
Com amor, com tudo
With love, with everything
De real teor de beleza
Of true beauty
Não se impaciente
Don't be impatient
O que a gente sente, sente
What we feel, we feel
Ainda que não se tente, afetará
Even without trying, it will affect
O afeto é fogo
Affection is fire
E o modo do fogo é quente
And the way of fire is hot
E de repente a gente queimará
And suddenly we will burn
Realce, realce
Enhance, enhance
Quanto mais parafina, melhor
The more wax, the better
Não desespere
Don't despair
Quando a vida fere, fere
When life hurts, it hurts
E nenhum mágico interferirá
And no magician will interfere
Se a vida fere
If life hurts
Como a sensação do brilho
Like the sensation of shine
De repente a gente brilhará
Suddenly we will shine
Com a cor do veludo
With the color of velvet
Com amor, com tudo
With love, with everything
De real teor de beleza
Of true beauty
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GILBERTO GIL MOREIRA, GILBERTO PASSOS GIL MOREIRA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind