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.
Three Litlle Birds
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin' "This is my message to you-ou-ou"
Don't worry about a thing,
Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Don't worry about a thing,
Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin' "This is my message to you-ou-ou"
Gilberto Gil's rendition of Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" is a song that radiates positivity and encouragement. The song is a message of hope, urging listeners to remain optimistic and not worry about the challenges and uncertainties they face. The first verse emphasizes the song's primary message, "Don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing gonna be all right." The message is emphasized further in the chorus, where the idea of everything being all right is repeated twice. The song seeks to assure the listener that, no matter the hurdles they may face, they will emerge triumphant.
The second verse of the song depicts the singer's pleasant morning accompanied by three birds who perch on the singer's doorstep, singing sweet melodies of hope and encouragement. The birds are symbolic of the hope and happiness that awaits the listener, filling them with joy and energy all day. The message in the lyrics is simple yet profound, as it encourages listeners to stay positive and hope for the best, knowing that every little thing will be okay.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't worry about a thing,
Don't stress, everything will be fine no matter what happens.
Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Because no matter how difficult the situation might appear, in the end, everything will be alright.
Rise up this mornin',
Wake up energized and ready to start a new day.
Smiled with the risin' sun,
A metaphor expressing the songwriter's joy and appreciation for life and the little things that make it worth living.
Three little birds
The three little birds represent hope, freedom, and joy, and serve as a reminder that even small things can lift our spirits.
Pitch by my doorstep
The birds are singing right outside the singer's door, indicating that these positive feelings are within reach.
Singin' sweet songs
The birds are singing sweetly, conveying that joy and happiness can be found in simple, small moments.
Of melodies pure and true,
The purity and truth of the melodies emphasize how genuine and authentic these positive feelings are.
Sayin' "This is my message to you-ou-ou"
The message is clear, that no matter how tough life can get, there will always be hope and people will be okay.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bob Marley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@CP200S
Quem lembra de quando esse clipe passava bastante na MTV?
@EiIgorTutoriais
Eu me sinto tão bem ouvindo essa versão do Gil... na parte do instrumental eu até choro, é lindo demais!
@profajanainaf
Igor, eu também!!!
@claytonribeiro3452
Eu também cara, acho que é uma saudade inexplicável acho eu.
@TyphusAndronicus
This is so 2000's it physically hurts
@youngsharmuta3691
why u say it like its a bad thing
@ministeriokadoshshalon7031
Yep
@1758
young sharmuta cus it’s hitting nostalgic feeling about times that wont never come back
@youngsharmuta3691
@@1758 i asked the other dude but ok go off
@juanitocaminador1931
Good art like this is timeless and eternal