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.
Waiting in Vain
Gilberto Gil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't wanna wait in vain for your love
From the very first time I blessed my eyes on you, girl
My heart says â??follow throughâ??
But I know now that I'm way down on your line
And the waiting feel is fine
'Cause I know how to do my thing
Don't talk to me as if you think I'm dumb
I wanna know when you're gonna come?
[Repeat: x3]
I don't wanna wait in vain for your love
'Cause summer is here
I'm still waiting there
Winter is here
And I'm still waiting there
Like I said
It's been three years since I'm knocking on your door
And I still can knock some more
Ooh girl, ooh girl, is it feasible?
I wanna know now
For I to knock some more
In life I know
There's lots of grief
But your love is my relief
Tears in my eyes burn
Tears in my eyes burn
While I'm waiting
While I'm waiting for my turn
I don't wanna wait in vain for your love...
Gilberto Gil's song "Waiting in Vain" is a passionate plea for the love of someone who seems out of reach. The verses suggest a longing, a desire to be with the object of the singer's affection that is only increased by the knowledge that this person is not as invested in the relationship as the singer. The singer knows that they are "way down on [the person's] line," but they are still waiting, their heart burning with tears. Despite the knowledge that this waiting game could go on forever, the singer can't help but hope for the day when the person they love will finally return their affection.
The lyrics are expertly crafted to convey a sense of longing and desperation. The repetition of "I don't wanna wait in vain for your love" underscores the pain of wanting something so badly, and the fact that this desire is unfulfilled. Similarly, the use of seasons to mark the passing of time accentuates the frustration of waiting, as each new season brings with it the realization that the singer is still waiting. The line "Tears in my eyes burn" captures the emotional agony of the situation, suggesting that the singer is literally crying from the pain of waiting.
Line by Line Meaning
From the very first time I blessed my eyes on you, girl
Since the first moment I saw you, my heart tells me to pursue you.
My heart says 'follow through'
My heart tells me to keep going after you.
But I know now that I'm way down on your line
I understand that I'm not a priority for you.
And the waiting feel is fine
I'm okay with waiting for you.
So don't treat me like a puppet on a string
Please don't control me like a puppet.
'Cause I know how to do my thing
I am independent and capable.
Don't talk to me as if you think I'm dumb
Don't underestimate my intelligence.
I wanna know when you're gonna come?
I want to know when you will be with me.
'Cause summer is here
Summer is here and I'm still waiting for your love.
I'm still waiting there
I'm still waiting for you to come to me.
Winter is here
Winter has arrived.
And I'm still waiting there
And yet, I'm still waiting for you.
Like I said
As I already mentioned.
It's been three years since I'm knocking on your door
I have been trying to reach you for three years.
And I still can knock some more
And I am still willing to keep pursuing you.
Ooh girl, ooh girl, is it feasible?
Is it possible for us to be together?
I wanna know now
I want to know the answer immediately.
For I to knock some more
So I know whether to keep pursuing you or not.
In life I know
I understand that in life.
There's lots of grief
There are many difficult things to face.
But your love is my relief
But your love is what makes me feel better.
Tears in my eyes burn
I am crying.
While I'm waiting
As I wait for you.
While I'm waiting for my turn
While I wait for you to love me.
I don't wanna wait in vain for your love
I don't want to wait for your love if it will never come.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bob Marley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Andre Brizt
Esta versão ficou mágica!⚔️
Marina Sant'Anna
Nós somos um país que tem Gilberto Gil. ❤️
LAIRA OFICIAL
Amava esse CD 💕😊
Gosto até hoje muito bom
Velhos tempos 😊😊😊😊
Ju Ju
Excelente 🎶🎵
Que coisa linda, minha alma agradece esse som❣️
Leonardo Nathan
Quando uma versão fica tão boa quanto a original! ❤ ❤ ❤
Juliana Cerqueira
Só podia ser Gil... maravilhoso!!!
An
Una de las mejores versiones
Vanessa Silva
Começar o dia, ouvindo essa música neste som é coisa dos Deuses e Deusas, viva o legado de amor trazido de Áfricas!Jahhhh
Lucas Dias
Domingão de manhã, acenda o bom dia brasil e coloque essa música. Bao demais
Emmãm Lopes
Lucas Dias kkkkk acenda o domingo de manhã.
pode crê🤣🤣🤣👍