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.

Na Bahia Tem
Jorge Ben Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Na Bahia tem, tem, tem
Na Bahia tem ecó
Na Bahia tem caruru
Na Bahia tem epó
Na Bahia tem vatapá
Na Bahia tem mugunzá
Na Bahia tem acarajé
Na Bahia tem apará

Na Bahia tem candomblé

Tem Nosso Senhor do Bonfim
Que é o nosso padroeiro
Todos os dias ele abençoa
O nosso Brasil inteiro
Bahia de Tupinambá

Bahia de Tupiniquim
Bahia abençoada, as vezes mata sem fim

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Jorge Ben's song "Na Bahia Tem" celebrate the unique cultural identity and Afro-Brazilian heritage of the state of Bahia. The song lists several traditional dishes and rituals associated with Bahia, such as caruru, epó, vatapá, mugunzá, acarajé, and candomblé. These references evoke the vibrant and diverse culinary and religious traditions that have shaped Bahian culture over time, highlighting the influence of both African and Indigenous cultures on the region.

The song also references the importance of the patron saint of Bahia, Our Lord of Bonfim, who is said to bless Brazil as a whole. This emphasis on the spiritual and religious significance of the region and its customs underscores the deep connection that Bahians have to their cultural heritage, despite the challenges and struggles they may face.

Overall, "Na Bahia Tem" is a joyful and celebratory song that pays tribute to the richness and complexity of Bahian culture, while also acknowledging the darker aspects of its history and legacy.

Line by Line Meaning

Na Bahia tem, tem, tem
There are many things in Bahia

Na Bahia tem ecó
In Bahia, there is music and dance called 'ecó'

Na Bahia tem caruru
In Bahia, there is a dish called 'caruru'

Na Bahia tem epó
In Bahia, there is a drink called 'epó'

Na Bahia tem vatapá
In Bahia, there is a dish called 'vatapá'

Na Bahia tem mugunzá
In Bahia, there is a dish called 'mugunzá'

Na Bahia tem acarajé
In Bahia, there is a food called 'acarajé'

Na Bahia tem apará
In Bahia, there is a dish called 'apará'

Na Bahia tem candomblé
In Bahia, there is a religion called 'candomblé'

Tem Nosso Senhor do Bonfim
There is the statue of Our Lord of Good Ending in Bahia

Que é o nosso padroeiro
He is our patron saint