The empathy with the musical instruments started with the guitar. It was with the guitar that she realised were the chords of her parent’s music come from. From The Beatles and from many others. And it was on an early age that she gave herself to the unique melodies that the jazz immortalized. The capacity of a melody to stand by itself, without the instruments. She embraced such artists as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzerald, Chet Baker, and many others and with them in her heart she set off to the Berklee College of Music, in Boston, USA, to study music. In her 4 year stay in Boston she was nominated for the «Best Jazz Song» at the Malibu Music Awards (2008); «Best Jazz Artist» at the Hollywood Music Awards ; «International Songwriting Competition» (2007) and «The John Lennon Songwriting Competition» (2008).
More than being nominated or completing her studies, Luísa was also discovering herself every year that went by. Her musical identity would further develop in New York, where she moved after finish her degree in Boston (2009). In her bags a lot of what would eventually give shape to songs that where already wandering inside her head. Hers and her mother’s who confessed to her she had dreamed that her first album would be called «The Cherry on My Cake». Maternal magic that made a dream come true.
The learning of the jazz standards, the practice done by playing a Brazilian music in bars and the stamina of her creativity all filtered into songs that would either gain live in paper or in chords. One after another. Well thought melodies with images inside. «I Would Love To», «Don`t Let Me Down», «Why Should I», among other songs that came together in an EP («My Funny Clementine»). The emphasis on the starting theme was obvious: «Not There Yet». A triple time rhythm, like a jazz waltz, colorful, an imposing chorus and violins in heaven. The record composition wasn’t to become limited to the English language. Between trips to and from Portugal, Luisa performed at the Super Bock Super Rock festival in Stock 2009. At this gig she mentions how much she would like to have a song in Portuguese. Upon her return to the States Luisa sketches a poem and melody for “O Engraxador” (the shoe shine man). That is followed by “Xico and Dolores”. For the upcoming record the will for a Portuguese cover song was still very much present. Nobody would be better to fill this part than Rui Veloso, artist that Luisa’s father listens to insistently. Luisa registers Carlos Te’s lyric and tries a different version of “Saiu para a Rua”.
«The Cherry on my Cake» is the result of all of this: of the person who dreams to live in Paris - totally inspired by French cinema. Result of the hectic New York vibe, of the familiar affection for Lisbon. From Regina Spektor to Elis Regina. From Billie Holiday to Bjork. From the 50’s to ingenuousness. From sound to image. From voice and talent: “I have a good life” she concludes.
Benjamim
Luísa Sobral Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Onde quero ir e onde não vou
Sabes ver dentro de mim
Onde ninguém pode entrar onde os que vieram
Não querem voltar
E assim vivemos os dois
Dos nossos corações amando só porque sim
Vivemos assim eu pra ti, tu pra mim
Meu Benjamim
Amas mesmo em dia não
E quando não peço perdão
Quando o vento sopra noutra direção
E assim vivemos os dois
Sem fazer conta de nada somos morada
Dos nossos corações amando só porque sim
Vivemos assim eu pra ti, tu pra mim
Meu Benjamim
In the song "Benjamim" by Luísa Sobral, the lyrics convey a deep sense of intimacy and understanding between two people. The singer expresses that the person addressed knows everything about them, from their beginning to their end, and understands their desires and limitations. This deep connection allows the person to see into the singer's innermost thoughts and emotions, a place that is off-limits to others and where past experiences may not want to return. This establishes a unique bond between the two where they live without worrying about the outside world, finding solace in each other's hearts simply because they can. The repeated reference to "meu Benjamim" showcases a personal and endearing nickname that further emphasizes the closeness between the two individuals.
The lyrics also touch upon the complexities of love and forgiveness within the relationship. The singer acknowledges that their partner loves them even on difficult days, and even when forgiveness is not explicitly requested. There is an understanding that love can weather challenges, even when the winds of change blow in a different direction. This illustrates a level of acceptance and unconditional love between the two individuals, where forgiveness and understanding are inherent parts of their connection. The acknowledgment of faults and imperfections adds depth to their relationship, showcasing a willingness to navigate through difficulties together.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the simplicity and purity of their love, emphasizing that they live just for the sake of loving each other. The phrase "amando só porque sim" encapsulates the idea that their love exists for no other reason than the genuine affection they share. This uncomplicated and authentic love is the foundation of their relationship, guiding their actions and feelings towards each other. The repetition of "eu pra ti, tu pra mim" reinforces the reciprocity and balance in their relationship, highlighting that their love is mutual and equally shared between them.
Overall, "Benjamim" portrays a relationship built on deep understanding, acceptance, and love. The lyrics capture the essence of a partnership where two individuals are deeply connected on an emotional level, encompassing both the joys and challenges that come with love. The mutual devotion and unwavering support they offer each other create a safe haven in which they can truly be themselves. Through its heartfelt lyrics and emotive delivery, the song beautifully conveys the beauty of a profound and enduring bond between two souls.
Line by Line Meaning
Sabes tudo de mim o meu princípio e fim
You know everything about me, from the beginning to the end
Onde quero ir e onde não vou
Where I want to go and where I won't go
Sabes ver dentro de mim
You can see inside of me
Onde ninguém pode entrar onde os que vieram
Where no one else can enter, where those who came before
Não querem voltar
Don't want to return
E assim vivemos os dois
And so we both live
Sem fazer conta de nada somos morada
Without worrying about anything, we are each other's home
Dos nossos corações amando só porque sim
Of our hearts loving just because
Vivemos assim eu pra ti, tu pra mim
We live like this, me for you, you for me
Meu Benjamim
My Benjamin
Amas mesmo em dia não
You love even on days when you shouldn't
E quando não peço perdão
And when I don't ask for forgiveness
Quando o vento sopra noutra direção
When the wind blows in another direction
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind