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.
Cassius Marcelo Clay
Jorge Ben Lyrics
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Herói do século vinte sucessor de Batman
Sucessor de Batman, Capitão América e Super Man
Cassius Marcelus Clay, o primeiro
Tem a cadência
De uma escola de samba
E o 4-3-4 de um time de futebol
Salve Narciso Negro, salve Muhamad Ali, salve Fighty Brother,
O eterno campeão na realidade um ídolo mundial
Tem a postura da estátua da liberdade
E a altura do Empire State
Salve Cassius Marcelus Clay
Soul brother, soul boxer, soul man
The lyrics to Jorge Ben Jor’s song “Cassius Marcelus Clay” pay homage to Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer who was known for his remarkable skills both in and out of the ring. The song refers to Ali as the “hero of the twentieth century,” and also as the successor to popular superheroes such as Batman, Captain America, and Superman. The use of these analogies emphasizes Ali’s status as an icon whose influence transcends the boundaries of boxing.
The lyrics note that Ali possesses the cadence and groove of a samba school, using musical terminology to describe his style and rhythm. Additionally, the lyrics mention the “4-3-4” of a football team, which could be a reference to Ali’s nimbleness and agility in the ring. The song further pays tribute to Ali by mentioning his real name, Cassius Marcelus Clay, and notes that he has the posture of the Statue of Liberty and the height of the Empire State Building. These comparisons serve to elevate Ali’s larger-than-life status and further solidify his position as a global idol.
Finally, the lyrics of “Cassius Marcelus Clay” refer to Ali as a “soul brother, soul boxer, soul man.” This phrase speaks to Ali’s appeal across racial and ethnic lines, as he famously used his platform to speak out against racism and discrimination. Ali was not only a champion in the ring but also an advocate for civil rights and social justice, and this is reflected in the lyrics of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Cassius Marcelus Clay
Refers to the renowned boxer and cultural icon who changed his name to Muhammad Ali.
Herói do século vinte sucessor de Batman
Describes Ali as a hero of the 20th century, who succeeded the fictional superhero Batman.
Sucessor de Batman, Capitão América e Super Man
Further emphasizes Ali's cultural significance by comparing him to other iconic superheroes.
Cassius Marcelus Clay, o primeiro
Highlights Ali as a trailblazer, being the first of his kind in many aspects.
Tem a cadência
Refers to Ali's rhythmic and fluid movements in the ring.
De uma escola de samba
Compares Ali's boxing style to the fluid and graceful movements of a samba dancer.
E o 4-3-4 de um time de futebol
Compares Ali's boxing style to the strategic and coordinated movements of a soccer team.
Salve Narciso Negro, salve Muhamad Ali, salve Fighty Brother,
Pays homage to other black cultural icons, including Ali himself.
Salve king Clay
Further emphasizes Ali's status as a cultural icon and revolutionary figure.
O eterno campeão na realidade um ídolo mundial
Describes Ali as an eternal champion and worldwide idol.
Tem a postura da estátua da liberdade
Compares Ali's regal and commanding presence to that of the Statue of Liberty.
E a altura do Empire State
Emphasizes Ali's physical stature, comparing him to the towering Empire State Building.
Salve Cassius Marcelus Clay
A repeated call to salute and honor Ali.
Soul brother, soul boxer, soul man
Acknowledges Ali's cultural and racial heritage, describing him as a brother to all and a soulful figure in his sport.
Contributed by Blake Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Matheus th
ETERNO!
"Nenhum vietcongue me chamou de crioulo, porque eu lutaria contra ele?"
Vá em paz, Muhammad Ali!
André Francisco da Silva
Eu li este texto na íntegra, é um tapa na cara da hipocrisia e no orgulho americano de achar que é poderoso em tudo. E ele no decorrer do texto afirma que estava pouco se lixando após pronunciar isto de ser perseguido e morto pelas autoridades americanas, tal qual como foi Martin Luther King Jr. e outros que conhecemos no decorrer da história.👍
Eliseu Fonseca Fonteles
Taquipariu! Q viva para sempre! Mohammad Ali ou seja Cassius Marcellus Clay!
Juscelino Pachêco
Letra maravilhosa uma grande homenagem a esse ícone do box mundial
Eliseu Fonseca Fonteles
Linda homenagem!
Daniel Vieira
Para falar de um gênio, nada melhor do que outro...
André Francisco da Silva
Música de letra poderosa! Salve Benjor e o saudoso Muhammad Ali!🙌
Juscelino Pachêco
Genial esse Jorge Ben
Paulo Amorim
Jorge é demais, viva a minha geração.
ASW
maravilhoso maravilhoso