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.
Vamos Passear No Astral
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Com o duplo etérico furado
Com você do meu lado, menina
Não vai ter problema nenhum
Vamos passear no astral
Com o intelecto pirado
Caetanaves do ano passado vão pintar
Pra levar todo mundo pro planeta Carnaval
Pelo menos, menina, por um dia
Vamos passear no astral
The lyrics to Gilberto Gil's song "Vamos Passear No Astral" are an invitation to take a journey with the singer into the astral realm. The first verse speaks of having a "duplo etérico furado," which refers to a hole or opening in the etheric body or energy field. This may suggest a state of vulnerability or openness to the spiritual realm. The singer reassures his companion that there will be "nenhum problema" (no problem) with her by his side.
The second verse introduces the idea of a "intelecto pirado," or a crazy/intense intellect. The reference to "Caetanaves" (a play on words combining the name of the singer Caetano Veloso and the Portuguese word for spaceship) flying in from the past suggests a trip through time and space. The lyrics describe the journey as taking everyone to the planet Carnival - a place of joy and celebration. The singer acknowledges that it may only be for a day, but he invites his companion to join him on this fanciful and mystical journey through the astral plane.
Overall, the song's lyrics suggest a desire to escape the constraints of the physical world and enter into a higher state of consciousness where imagination and creativity can thrive. It invites the listener to indulge in a playful and dreamlike state of being, open to the mysteries of the universe.
Line by Line Meaning
Vamos passear no astral
Let's take a stroll in the astral plane
Com o duplo etérico furado
Our etheric double may be punctured
Com você do meu lado, menina
With you by my side, my darling
Não vai ter problema nenhum
We'll have no issues at all
Com o intelecto pirado
With our intellects wild and crazy
Caetanaves do ano passado vão pintar
Spaceships from last year will show up
Pra levar todo mundo pelo espaço
To take everyone through space
Pra levar todo mundo pro planeta Carnaval
To take everyone to the planet of Carnival
Pelo menos, menina, por um dia
At least, my dear, for one day
Vamos passear no astral
Let's take a stroll in the astral plane
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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