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.

Sou da pesada
Jorge Ben Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Quem falou de mim na madrugada
Quem falou de mim não fala nada
Mas que nada, eu sou da pesada
Meu lema é fé em Deus e pé na tábua

Eu sou assim mesmo
Assim eu sou, eu só fico triste
Quando não vejo você

Meu amor, você meu amor

Quem falou de mim na madrugada
Quem falou de mim não fala nada

Pois eu amo e adoro a minha alegria
Pois a minha alegria é você meu amor
Toda certinha tão original
Beleza e voz coloquial

Quem falou de mim
Meu anjo, meu anjo, meu anjo

Overall Meaning

Jorge Ben’s song "Sou da Pesada" is a celebration of one’s own identity and individuality. The opening lyrics discuss rumors and gossip, with the singer wondering who has been talking about him in the middle of the night. However, he doesn’t seem to be that bothered by it, as he proclaims "but that’s nothing, I am from the heavyweights." This line can be interpreted in a few different ways - perhaps he means that he isn’t easily affected by others’ opinions, or that he is part of a specific group or community. He then goes on to declare his guiding principles: "my motto is faith in God and foot on the pedal," further emphasizing his self-assurance and independence.

The following stanza is devoted to a declaration of love. The singer describes feeling sad when his beloved is not around - however, this is the only moment in the song where he seems to show any vulnerability or need. The final stanza brings things full-circle, returning to the topic of gossip. This time, the singer acknowledges that people are talking about him - but he dismisses their opinions by focusing on the good in his life. His "angel" (presumably his lover) is with him, he has his music and his own sense of identity. As the song concludes, Jorge Ben repeats the refrain "Eu sou assim mesmo," which translates to "I am like this."

Overall, "Sou da Pesada" is a song that celebrates individuality, self-assurance, and self-love. Its emphasis on dancing, rhythm, and movement also reflects Jorge Ben’s broader style, which blends traditional Brazilian genres like samba, bossa nova, and MPB with elements of funk, soul, and African rhythms.

Line by Line Meaning

Quem falou de mim na madrugada
Who discussed me during the night?

Quem falou de mim não fala nada
Whoever talked about me isn't saying anything now.

Mas que nada, eu sou da pesada
But that doesn't matter, I'm strong and tough.

Meu lema é fé em Deus e pé na tábua
My motto is to have faith in God and go full speed ahead.

Eu sou assim mesmo
That's just how I am.

Assim eu sou, eu só fico triste
That's who I am, I only become sad.

Quando não vejo você
When I don't see you.

Meu amor, você meu amor
My love, you're my love.

Pois eu amo e adoro a minha alegria
Because I love and adore my joy.

Pois a minha alegria é você meu amor
Because you, my love, are my joy.

Toda certinha tão original
So perfect, so unique.