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.
Tenho Sede
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
E essa sede pode me matar
Minha garganta pede um pouco d'água
E os meus olhos pedem teu olhar
A planta pede chuva quando quer brotar
O céu logo escurece quando vai chover
Meu coração só pede o teu amor
Traga-me um copo d'água, tenho sede
E essa sede pode me matar
Minha garganta pede um pouco d'água
E os meus olhos pedem teu olhar
A planta pede chuva quando quer brotar
O céu logo escurece quando vai chover
Meu coração só pede o teu amor
Se não me deres posso até morrer
The lyrics to Gilberto Gil's song "Tenho Sede" speak of a strong and desperate thirst that can only be quenched with two things - water and love. The opening lines center around the singer requesting a glass of water, emphasizing how vital it is to his survival because he feels that his thirst could kill him. However, as the lyrics progress, it becomes clear that his thirst is more than just physical. His heart is also dry and in urgent need of love. He compares his heart's need for love to a plant's need for water to grow, and says that his eyes long to see the object of his affection.
The song delves deep into the theme of desperation and how it can lead to a need for something as basic as water, and also the need for love. It is a plea for help, a plea for someone to provide him with both the basic necessities of life. Gilberto Gil has poured his soul into this song, leaving it open for interpretation by the listener. One can easily imagine the singer as someone who is in a state of transition and is grappling with the changes and uncertainties that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Traga-me um copo d'água, tenho sede
I need you to bring me a glass of water, I am thirsty
E essa sede pode me matar
If you don't bring me any water, I could die of thirst
Minha garganta pede um pouco d'água
My throat is dry and I need some water to wet it
E os meus olhos pedem teu olhar
I also need your attention and affection to feel complete
A planta pede chuva quando quer brotar
Plants need water to grow and thrive, just as I need you
O céu logo escurece quando vai chover
There are signs that indicate when it's going to rain, just as there are signs that show how much I need you
Meu coração só pede o teu amor
All I want is your love and affection, which are essential to my well-being
Se não me deres posso até morrer
If you don't give me your love, I could feel so empty and hopeless that it would be like dying
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Anastacia, Dominguinhos
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind