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.
Vida
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Vida, vida é assim
Vida, vida humana
Vida, vida é assim
Vida, vida é assim
Vida, vida humana
Vida me dá prazer
Vida é a luz do dia
Vida, vivida
Vida é o amor
Vida é cor e confusão
Vida é som e paixão
Vida é alegria
Vida me dá prazer
Vida é a luz do dia
Vida, vida vadia
Vida é o amor
Vida é cor e confusão
Vida é som e paixão
Vida, vida é assim
Vida, vida é assim
Vida, vida humana
Vida, vida é assim
Vida, vida é assim
Vida, vida humana
Vida é alegria
Vida me dá prazer
Vida é a luz do dia
Vida, vivida
Vida é o amor
Vida é cor e confusão
Vida é som e paixão
Vida é alegria
Vida me dá prazer
Vida é a luz do dia
Vida, vida vadia
Vida é o amor
Vida é cor e confusão
Vida é som e paixão
É cor e confusão
É som e paixão
É cor e confusão
É som e paixão
É cor e confusão
É som e paixão
Êo, eô, le-le, êo, eô, la-la
Êo, eô, le-le, êo, eô, la-la
Gilberto Gil's song "Vida" is an ode to life itself, acknowledging its ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and ultimately celebrating its beauty and wonder. The opening lines, "Vida, vida é assim, Vida é assim, Vida humana" ("Life, life is like this, Life is like this, Human life") set the tone for the rest of the song, reminding the listener that life is complex and full of contradictions. The refrain of "Vida é alegria, Vida me dá prazer, Vida é a luz do dia, Vida vadia, Vida é o amor, Vida é cor e confusão, Vida é som e paixão" ("Life is joy, Life gives me pleasure, Life is the daylight, Life is vagrant, Life is love, Life is color and confusion, Life is sound and passion") captures the essence of each of these elements that make up the human experience.
As the song progresses, Gil uses vivid imagery to describe life's various facets. He describes life as "alegria" (joy), "luz do dia" (daylight), "cor e confusão" (color and confusion), and "som e paixão" (sound and passion). These images are both specific and universal, allowing the listener to connect with the song on a personal level while also recognizing the shared experiences of others.
Overall, "Vida" is a beautiful and poetic tribute to the complexities and splendor of human life. It serves as a reminder to appreciate each moment of our existence, even when life is difficult or confusing.
Line by Line Meaning
Vida
Life
Vida é assim
Life is like this
Vida é alegria
Life is happiness
Vida me dá prazer
Life gives me pleasure
Vida é a luz do dia
Life is the light of day
Vida vadia
Life is full of promiscuity
Vida é o amor
Life is love
Vida é cor e confusão
Life is color and confusion
Vida é som e paixão
Life is sound and passion
Vida vivida
Life lived
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Maria Juca, Roger Kedyh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Adilson
Caralhooooo que entrada de música perfeita
Fernanda Garcia
Linda música, traz uma leveza pra vida. Letra sensacional.
Val Nascimento
Gilberto Gil incomparável
Machado Agnaldo
que música mais poética e linda parabéns por está está linda canção
Carlos Bacana
Bons tempos da música brasileira
PAULO ROBERTO
Gil e Arthur Maia com seu contrabaixo maravilhoso
Monique Seixas
Essa música me remete a minha infância, época boa! Melhor fase da minha vida
Crispim Batista
Vida muito boa nessa década
Roberval Cruz
ficou boa com Gil tambem
João Carlos Perengue
Grato João de Sousa RM Moçambique boa continuidade com a passagem de boa música Amém