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.
Para que digladiar
Jorge Ben Lyrics
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Se bom mesmo é cozer
Esperar ficar no ponto e comer
Se bom mesmo é coser
Esperar ficar pronto, vestir, aparecer
Para que digladiar, para que digladiar
Pois o meu amor (ai ai)
Pois o meu amor (ai ai)
Reza, reza por mim
Alcança a esperança
Contra a aliança da vingança
Avança e lança
A bonança da herança
Da criança de trança
Da dança da lembrança
Da poupança que é mansa
Mas não cansa
The lyrics of Jorge Ben's song Para que digladiar (Why fight) speaks about the futility of fighting and struggling in life, and the importance of enjoying simple pleasures. The repeated lines of "para que digladiar" (why fight) emphasize the message that life shouldn't be a constant battle, and that happiness can be found in the small things. The verses contrast the idea of fighting with the pleasure of cooking, waiting for food to be cooked and then enjoying it, or sewing, waiting for the clothes to be ready and then appearing in them. The chorus speaks about the love of the singer's partner for him, and how he prays for him.
The song is a commentary on the struggles of daily life, with the repeated refrain of "why fight" suggesting that peace can be found in everyday activities. The contrast between fighting and peaceful activities presents a view of life that values relaxation and enjoyment over stress and hardship. The line "Avança e lança/A bonança da herança" (Advance and launch/the treasure of the inheritance) suggests that the pursuit of material wealth can be a trap, while the pleasures of life are more valuable.
Overall, the lyrics of Para que digladiar promote a philosophy of simple, relaxed living and enjoying the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Para que digladiar, para que digladiar
Why fight, why struggle
Se bom mesmo é cozer
When it's best to cook
Esperar ficar no ponto e comer
Wait until it's ready and enjoy it
Se bom mesmo é coser
When it's best to sew
Esperar ficar pronto, vestir, aparecer
Wait until it's finished, wear it, show it off
Pois o meu amor (ai ai)
Because my love (oh oh)
Gosta, gosta gosta de mim
Likes, likes, likes me
Reza, reza por mim
Prays, prays for me
Alcança a esperança
Reach for hope
Contra a aliança da vingança
Against the alliance of revenge
Avança e lança
Advance and throw
A bonança da herança
The abundance of inheritance
Da criança de trança
Of the braided child
Da dança da lembrança
Of the dance of memory
Da poupança que é mansa
Of the gentle savings
Mas não cansa
But doesn't tire
Contributed by Lincoln P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.