His characteristic style fuses rock and roll, samba, bossa nova, jazz, maracatu, funk, ska and even hip hop, with lyrics that mix humor and satire, as well as themes esoteric. Jorge's work has a unique importance for Brazilian music, as it incorporates new elements in swing and guitar playing, with characteristics of North American rock, soul and funk. Furthermore, he brought Arab and African influences, coming from his mother, born in Ethiopia.
He influenced sambalanço and samba-rock and was covered and honored by countless exponents of the new generations of Brazilian music, such as Mundo Livre S/A, Os Paralamas do Sucesso, Skank, Fernanda Abreu, Racionais MC's and Belô Velloso. Jorge Ben Jor exploded with the song "Mas, Que Nada!" and, soon after, ratified his talent with another great hit, "Chove Chuva". Two songs that were neither bossa nova nor samba. Purists thought his music was too modern. It was difficult for musicians at the time to follow him, so much so that his first albums were recorded with a group that played samba jazz at Beco das Garrafas, Meirelles e os Copa 5, led by saxophonist J. T. Meirelles.
Barbarella
Jorge Ben Lyrics
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Barbarella
Barbarella
Na dimensão azul e rosa
No infinito celestial da quinta galáxia
Quem me dera eu ser intergaláctico
Para dorminod nas estrelas
Só falando de amor com você
Ontem eu sonhei com vocÊ, Barbarella
No meu sonho o céu explodiu com tamanha concussão
Qu um asteróide danificou minha bela astronave
Me mandando de volta pra terra
Ontem eu sonhei com você, Barbarella
Ontem eu sonhei com você, Barbarella
Barbarella, meu desejo
Uma terrestre na frente
Barbarella, a Vênus em pessoa
No próximo foguete pra lua eu vou atrás de você
Ora se vou
Ontem eu sonhei com você, Barbarella
Ontem eu sonhei com você, Barbarella
Barbarella
Barbarella
Barbarella
The song "Barbarella" by Jorge Ben depicts a dream where the singer longs to be intergalactic and travel through the celestial dimensions of the fifth galaxy with the one he loves, named Barbarella. Within his dream, the sky explodes with a great concussion caused by an asteroid that damages his ship, forcing him to return to earth. Despite this, he still desires to be with Barbarella, who he describes as a Venus in person. He ruminates on his dream, lamenting his inability to be with her, and expresses his desire to travel to the moon in order to be with her. The repetition of her name throughout the song emphasizes his desire for her and his dreamlike state.
From this perspective, the song can be interpreted as a yearning for something greater than the current realities one faces. The dream of intergalactic travel reflects the desire for the unknown and the attainment of something beyond the mundane. The choice of using the name Barbarella, made famous by the science fiction movie of the same name, further strengthens this interpretation. Her character, a strong and independent woman who navigates the perils of space, represents the overcoming of obstacles and the attainment of goals through great effort and determination.
Line by Line Meaning
Barbarella
Repetition of the name 'Barbarella' for emphasis or as a calling
Barbarella
Repetition of the name 'Barbarella' for emphasis or as a calling
Barbarella
Repetition of the name 'Barbarella' for emphasis or as a calling
Na dimensão azul e rosa
In the blue and pink dimension
No infinito celestial da quinta galáxia
In the celestial infinity of the fifth galaxy
Quem me dera eu ser intergaláctico
I wish I were intergalactic
Para dorminod nas estrelas
To sleep among the stars
Só falando de amor com você
Only speaking of love with you
Ontem eu sonhei com você, Barbarella
Yesterday I dreamt of you, Barbarella
Ontem eu sonhei com vocÊ, Barbarella
Yesterday I dreamt of you, Barbarella
No meu sonho o céu explodiu com tamanha concussão
In my dream, the sky exploded with such force
Qu um asteróide danificou minha bela astronave
That an asteroid damaged my beautiful spaceship
Me mandando de volta pra terra
Sending me back to Earth
Ontem eu sonhei com você, Barbarella
Yesterday I dreamt of you, Barbarella
Ontem eu sonhei com você, Barbarella
Yesterday I dreamt of you, Barbarella
Barbarella, meu desejo
Barbarella, my desire
Uma terrestre na frente
A terrestrial in front
Barbarella, a Vênus em pessoa
Barbarella, Venus in person
No próximo foguete pra lua eu vou atrás de você
In the next rocket to the moon, I'll be chasing after you
Ora se vou
Oh, I'm definitely going
Ontem eu sonhei com você, Barbarella
Yesterday I dreamt of you, Barbarella
Ontem eu sonhei com você, Barbarella
Yesterday I dreamt of you, Barbarella
Barbarella
Repetition of the name 'Barbarella' for emphasis or as a calling
Barbarella
Repetition of the name 'Barbarella' for emphasis or as a calling
Barbarella
Repetition of the name 'Barbarella' for emphasis or as a calling
Contributed by Liliana F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.