Jorge Duílio Lima Meneses, known professionally as Jorge Ben Jor, and previ… Read Full Bio ↴Jorge Duílio Lima Meneses, known professionally as Jorge Ben Jor, and previously as Jorge Ben, is a Brazilian singer, songwriter and musician.

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.

Cuidado Com O Bulldog
Jorge Ben Lyrics

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Cuidado com o Bulldog
Olha o Bulldog aí

Se você prometeu e até jurou
E não cumpriu, você errou
E o castigo que você mereceu
Foi uma mordida bem grande nos fundilhos seus

Bem feito, não vai poder ir no Maracanã
Não vai poder sentar naquela arquibancada
Dura, áspera e quente
Só vai poder ficar de pé

Só se for na geral
Mas como você é orgulhoso vai pegar mal

E ainda mais se o seu time perder
Como é que fica, como é que vai ficar?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jorge Ben's "Cuidado Com O Bulldog" warn listeners to be careful around a bulldog. The song incorporates a playful and upbeat melody that disguises the cautionary message. The lyrics begin by stating that if you make a promise or a vow and fail to fulfill it, then you will be in trouble. The punishment for not following through on your word is a large bite in your backside by a bulldog. The next verse describes the consequences of the punishment. The singer explains that as a result of the bite, the individual will not be able to sit down at the football stadium, specifically the arquibancada, which is a general term for stands. This punishment serves as a loss of privilege and social status as the individual is limited to standing in the "geral," which is the cheapest and least desirable form of seating at a football stadium. The last verse contemplates the individual's response to this punishment, knowing that their pride and image will be harmed if they are seen standing in the "geral." Jorge Ben's "Cuidado Com O Bulldog" is a humorous and witty warning about the importance of following through on one's promises and the consequences of failing to do so.

Line by Line Meaning

Cuidado com o Bulldog
Be careful with the Bulldog

Olha o Bulldog aí
Look, here comes the Bulldog

Se você prometeu e até jurou
If you promised and even swore

E não cumpriu, você errou
And didn't follow through, you made a mistake

E o castigo que você mereceu
And the punishment you deserved

Foi uma mordida bem grande nos fundilhos seus
Was a big bite right in your backside

Bem feito, não vai poder ir no Maracanã
Serves you right, you won't be able to go to Maracanã

Não vai poder sentar naquela arquibancada
You won't be able to sit in that stadium seat

Dura, áspera e quente
Tough, rough, and hot

Só vai poder ficar de pé
You'll have to stand up only

Só se for na geral
Only if you go to the general admission area