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.
Rosa
Jorge Ben Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Vem que eu quero
Ver você sambar
Rosa, menina rosa
Vem que eu quero
Ver você sambar
Me disseram que você
Samba demais
Mas o meu samba
Vai lhe passar pra trás
Rosa, menina rosa
Vem que eu quero
Ver você sambar
Rosa, menina rosa
Vem que eu quero
Ver você sambar
Pois o meu samba
Tem mistério
Mas é gostoso de sambar
Se você gosta de samba
Você vai ter que balançar
Rosa, menina rosa
Vem que eu quero
Ver você sambar
Pois o meu samba
Tem mistério
Mas é gostoso de sambar
Se você gosta de samba
Você vai ter que balançar
Rosa, menina rosa
Vem que eu quero
Ver você sambar
Rosa, menina rosa
Vem que eu quero
Ver você sambar
The lyrics to Jorge Ben's "Rosa Menina Rosa" celebrate the beauty and grace of a woman named Rosa, who is encouraged to come and dance the samba. The first verse repeats the invitation to Rosa to come and dance, and the second verse acknowledges rumors that Rosa is a skilled samba dancer, but declares that Ben's own samba will outdo hers. The chorus repeats the invitation to Rosa to dance, and the third verse speaks to the allure and mystery of Ben's samba, promising that anyone who loves samba will not be able to resist dancing to it. The song creates a festive and inviting atmosphere, encouraging listeners to join in the celebration of music and dance.
Line by Line Meaning
Rosa, menina rosa
The singer addresses a girl named Rosa, describing her as a pink flower.
Vem que eu quero Ver você sambar
The singer invites Rosa to come dance samba so he can watch her.
Me disseram que você Menina rosa Samba demais
Someone else had told the singer that Rosa is a great samba dancer.
Mas o meu samba Vai lhe passar pra trás
The singer believes his samba skills are better than Rosa's, and he will surpass her.
Pois o meu samba Tem mistério Mas é gostoso de sambar
The singer's samba style is mysterious but enjoyable to dance.
Se você gosta de samba Você vai ter que balançar
The singer challenges Rosa to dance if she likes samba.
Rosa, menina rosa Vem que eu quero Ver você sambar
The singer repeats his invitation for Rosa to come dance samba so he can watch her.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Jorge Lima Menezes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind