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.
Jeitão De Preto Velho
Jorge Ben Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Quando ver sinhá passar
Olha com carinho ternura enciumado orgulhoso
Pois ele é o padrinho de sinhá
Foi quando sinhazinha nasceu
As pressas têve que se batizar
Preto velho foi padrinho
E conseguiu sinhá salvar
E conseguiu sinhá salvar
Tiuê, tiuê, tiua
Tiuê, tiuê, tiua
The lyrics of Jeitão de Preto Velho by Jorge Ben Jor are a tribute to the figure of the "preto velho", an elderly black man who acts as a mentor/spiritual guide in the Afro-Brazilian religion of Umbanda. The first lines invite us to notice the way that the "preto velho" looks at "sinhá" (which is a colloquial term of address for any young woman, regardless of race or social class). This gaze is described as a mix of tenderness, jealousy, and pride, as the "preto velho" sees himself as a protective figure for "sinhá".
The lyrics go on to tell the story of how the "preto velho" became the godfather of "sinhá". When she was born, there was an urgent need to baptize her, and the "preto velho" stepped in to perform the ceremony and save the newborn's life. This reinforces the idea that the "preto velho" is a figure of great wisdom, experience, and compassion, who is willing to act as a spiritual guide and protector for those in need.
Overall, the lyrics of Jeitão de Preto Velho celebrate the tradition of the "preto velho" in Brazilian culture, highlighting the respect and admiration that many people feel for this figure. By portraying the "preto velho" as a loving and protective godfather, the song also recognizes the importance of community and family ties in times of crisis.
Line by Line Meaning
Olha o jeitão de olhar do preto velho
Take in the mannerisms of the black elder's stare
Quando ver sinhá passar
when he sees the lady pass by
Olha com carinho ternura enciumado orgulhoso
Looks upon her with fondness, tenderness, jealousy, and pride
Pois ele é o padrinho de sinhá
Because he is the godfather of the lady
Foi quando sinhazinha nasceu
It was when the dear little lady was born
As pressas têve que se batizar
Rushed to baptize her
Preto velho foi padrinho
The black elder was the godfather
E conseguiu sinhá salvar
And he managed to save the lady
Preto velho foi padrinho
The black elder was the godfather
E conseguiu sinhá salvar
And he managed to save the lady
Tiuê, tiuê, tiua
Tiuê, tiuê, tiua
Contributed by Evelyn M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.