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.
Computador
Luísa Sobral Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
E se até tiver sorte vais estar cá amanhã
Com paus e folhas faço um ninho
Para aquele passarinho dormir até de manhã
Posso fazer um castelo de pedras no jardim
E com lençóis um barco de piratas
Se é tão fácil assim
E está tudo ao meu dispor
Para quê brincar só com o computador!
Com um ramo posso ter uma espada
Para defender a minha amada e salvar a nação
Uso a manta para ser super herói
Um chapéu para ser cowboy
E o cavalo de cartão
Posso fazer um castelo de pedras no jardim
E com lençóis um barco de piratas
Se é tão fácil assim
E está tudo ao meu dispor
Para quê brincar só com o computador!
Para quê brincar só com o computador!
In Luísa Sobral's song "Computador," the lyrics emphasize the simplicity and joy of using everyday objects to ignite imagination and creativity instead of relying solely on technology. The opening lines, "Com algumas pedras faço um forte / E se até tiver sorte vais estar cá amanhã," suggest the power of imagination in creating something as strong as a fort with just a few simple stones. It highlights the idea that with luck and creativity, what we create can endure and be meaningful. There's a sense of resourcefulness and resilience in these actions, paralleling the potential in our minds to build and shape our own realities.
The imagery of building a nest for a little bird with sticks and leaves further emphasizes the theme of simplicity and nature. The act of creating a safe and cozy space for the bird to rest symbolizes care, nurturing, and a connection to the natural world. This sentiment extends to other examples in the lyrics, such as constructing a castle from stones in the garden or a pirate ship from bedsheets. These actions showcase the limitless possibilities when we tap into our imagination and engage with our surroundings in a hands-on, tangible way.
The verses also touch upon the roles of heroism and adventure in childhood play. The lyrics mention using a branch as a sword to protect loved ones and save the nation, as well as transforming into a superhero with a blanket or a cowboy with a hat. These actions reflect the power of make-believe and storytelling in shaping our identities and exploring different personas. It underscores the idea that through imaginative play, children can embody brave and noble characters, fostering empathy, courage, and a sense of agency in their own lives.
Ultimately, the chorus reinforces the sentiment that despite the allure of modern technology like computers, there is a richness and fulfillment in engaging with the world through hands-on play and creative expression. The repetition of "Para quê brincar só com o computador!" serves as a reminder to cherish the simplicity of childhood joys, the magic of imagination, and the beauty of connecting with the physical world around us. In a fast-paced digital age, these lyrics encourage us to pause, look around, and rediscover the wonders that can be created with just a few basic materials and a boundless imagination.
Line by Line Meaning
Com algumas pedras faço um forte
Using some stones, I build a fort
E se até tiver sorte vais estar cá amanhã
And if I'm lucky, you'll still be here tomorrow
Com paus e folhas faço um ninho
With sticks and leaves, I make a nest
Para aquele passarinho dormir até de manhã
So that little bird can sleep until morning
Posso fazer um castelo de pedras no jardim
I can build a stone castle in the garden
E com lençóis um barco de piratas
And with sheets, a pirate ship
Se é tão fácil assim
If it's so easy
E está tudo ao meu dispor
And everything is at my disposal
Para quê brincar só com o computador!
Why play only with the computer!
Com um ramo posso ter uma espada
With a branch, I can have a sword
Para defender a minha amada e salvar a nação
To defend my loved one and save the nation
Uso a manta para ser super herói
I use the blanket to be a superhero
Um chapéu para ser cowboy
A hat to be a cowboy
E o cavalo de cartão
And the cardboard horse
Para quê brincar só com o computador!
Why play only with the computer!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind