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.
O Plebeu
Jorge Ben Lyrics
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Lá, lá, lá, lá, lá, lá
Sei que sou pobre contigo não posso casar
Oh meu amor, oh meu amor, oh
Mas chorarei de alegria
Quando alguém lhe levar ao altar
Oh meu amor nunca me esqueças
Se não fosse a minha pobreza
Eu sei e você sabe
Que isso não importa
Mas existe alguém
Que do nosso amor não gosta
Você é uma princesa
E eu sou um plebeu
Lá, lá, lá, lá, lá, lá
O último será o primeiro
E o último sou eu
Lá, lá, lá, lá, lá, lá
Lá, lá, lá, lá, lá, lá
Eu sei e você sabe
Que isso não importa
Mas existe alguém
Que do nosso amor não gosta
Você é uma princesa
E eu sou um plebeu
Lá, lá, lá, lá, lá, lá
O último será o primeiro
E o último sou eu
Lá, lá, lá, lá, lá, lá
Você é uma princesa
E eu sou um plebeu
O último será o primeiro
E o último sou eu
Lá, lá, lá, lá, lá, lá
Lá, lá, lá, lá, lá, lá
Você é uma princesa
E eu sou um plebeu
O último será o primeiro
E o último sou eu
Lá, lá, lá, lá, lá, lá
Lá, lá, lá, lá, lá, lá
Lá, lá, lá, lá, lá, lá
The lyrics of Jorge Ben's song "O Plebeu" speak of a love that is impeded by class difference. The singer acknowledges that he is poor and that he cannot marry his love because of their differing social standings. However, he still loves her and will be happy for her when she is taken to the altar by someone else. He pleads with her to never forget him and expresses that they could have been happy together if it weren't for his poverty. Despite this, he believes that their love is strong and that they will triumph in the end, even if society disapproves of their union.
The song is a commentary on the influence of class on romantic relationships in Brazilian society. It speaks to the idea that love should be able to overcome societal barriers, but that reality often gets in the way. The repetition of the phrase "Lá, lá, lá, lá, lá, lá" emphasizes the emotional weight of this struggle and the singer's determination to persevere.
Overall, the lyrics to "O Plebeu" showcase Jorge Ben's ability to speak to larger societal issues while still maintaining a sense of intimacy and emotion.
Line by Line Meaning
Lá, lá, lá, lá, lá, lá
Repeating melody line
Sei que sou pobre contigo não posso casar
I know I am poor and cannot marry you
Oh meu amor, oh meu amor, oh
Oh my love, oh my love, oh
Mas chorarei de alegria
But I will cry tears of joy
Quando alguém lhe levar ao altar
When someone takes you to the altar
Oh meu amor nunca me esqueças
Oh my love never forget me
Pois nós seriamos felizes
For we would be happy
Se não fosse a minha pobreza
If it weren't for my poverty
Eu sei e você sabe
I know and you know
Que isso não importa
That it doesn't matter
Mas existe alguém
But there is someone
Que do nosso amor não gosta
Who does not like our love
Você é uma princesa
You are a princess
E eu sou um plebeu
And I am a plebeian
O último será o primeiro
The last shall be first
E o último sou eu
And the last is me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jorge Menezes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind