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.
Boiadeiro
Jorge Ben Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
E a mulher leva a filharada (bis)
Atravessando o rio
Ele vai rezando e se preparando
Contra os perigos que vêm chegando
Manda a mulher rezar com fé e tomar cuidado
Da boiada e nem da filharada
Boiadeiro leva a boiada
E a mulher leva a filharada (bis)
Vai ter que sacrificar (vai, vai)
Um boi magro, velho e fraco
Pois vai ter que atravessar
Um rio cheio de correntezas
E de vorazes piranhas
Esperando a sua presa
Boiadeiro!
Boiadeiro leva a boiada
E a mulher leva a filharada (bis)
Dança aí Boiadeiro!
Dança aí que eu quero ver, Boaideiro!
The lyrics to Jorge Ben's song Boiadeiro depict the challenges faced by a cattle driver and his family as they move their herd across a river. The first verse introduces us to the titular character, 'Boiadeiro', who leads the cattle herd, while the woman of the family takes care of their children, or 'filharada' in Portuguese. As they approach the river, Boiadeiro prays and prepares himself for the dangers ahead - the swift currents, piranhas, and other obstacles that could harm the animals or the people. He instructs his wife to also pray and keep a close watch on the children, to avoid any separation from the herd or each other.
The second verse tells us that sacrifices must be made as they cross the river, and a skinny, old, weak cow must be chosen to offer itself up as bait to distract the piranhas from the rest of the herd. This is a vivid illustration of the harsh realities that surround the task of cattle driving, highlighting the lengths one must go to ensure the safety and success of the journey. The final verse breaks the tension with an upbeat invitation to dance, perhaps drawing on the communal celebratory spirit that often accompanies such journeys that require teamwork, bravery, and endurance.
Overall, the song Boiadeiro is a tribute to not just the cattle driver as an individual, but the entire familial and communal effort that goes into this way of life. It celebrates the courage, faith, and unity that underpin this profession, while also acknowledging the hardships and risks involved.
Line by Line Meaning
Boiadeiro leva a boiada
The cowboy is leading his herd of cattle
E a mulher leva a filharada (bis)
And his wife is taking care of their children
Atravessando o rio
As they cross the river
Ele vai rezando e se preparando
The cowboy is praying and getting ready
Contra os perigos que vêm chegando
For the dangers that lie ahead
Manda a mulher rezar com fé e tomar cuidado
He instructs his wife to pray with faith and be careful
Para não haver desgarrada
So that none of the cattle or children get separated
Da boiada e nem da filharada
From the herd or the family
Vai ter que sacrificar (vai, vai)
He will have to sacrifice (go, go)
Um boi magro, velho e fraco
A thin, old and weak steer
Pois vai ter que atravessar
Because it will have to cross
Um rio cheio de correntezas
A river full of currents
E de vorazes piranhas
And of voracious piranhas
Esperando a sua presa
Waiting for their prey
Boiadeiro!
Cowboy!
Dança aí Boiadeiro!
Dance there Cowboy!
Dança aí que eu quero ver, Boaideiro!
Dance there, I want to see you Cowboy!
Contributed by Sebastian C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Rahul Paul
I thought I'd never do this, but here I am saying, "First to comment". But it did seem quite unfair that such a gem of a song has no commentary here. Or maybe everyone's just too busy grooving to it. Like I am, an Indian living in Germany, having no connection whatsoever with Brazil. All I know is that this song is making me go through this gloomy, winter Sunday out here.
Jimi wat
😄 Agree, I am.. It's true a good Brazil as we like it! very funky soul! A little gem to keep ;). Greetings from France, it's not hot either 3° and thanks to Som for the piece 👍
Alessandro de Souza
Alessandro de souza salve jorge ben o musico de alma muita saúde agora nesse momento