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.
O Meu Cão
Luísa Sobral Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
É o meu melhor amigo com ele posso contar
Se de manhã não acordo
À hora que tem que ser
Ele arrasta os meus lençóis e
Procura um pé p'ra lamber
E de me ver jogar consola
O meu cão é o mais bonito de todos
Esperto como nenhum outro
Mesmo se a vida der p'ro torto
Eu sei que ele vai ser sempre o meu cão
Dou-lhe metade do lanche sem a minha mãe ver
Deito a cabeça na barriga dele
Quando quero adormecer
O meu cão gosta de jogar à bola
De me ver jogar consola
O meu cão é o mais bonito de todos
Esperto como nenhum outro
Mesmo se a vida der pro torto
Eu sei que ele vai ser sempre o meu cão
The lyrics of Luísa Sobral's "O Meu Cão" express a deep bond and appreciation for a loyal canine companion. The singer describes their dog as a constant source of joy and companionship, emphasizing its playfulness and unwavering loyalty. The line "Ele não ralha comigo e quer sempre brincar, É o meu melhor amigo com ele posso contar" conveys the idea that the dog is always there for the singer, offering companionship and playfulness without any judgment.
The singer paints a vivid picture of their morning routine with their dog, highlighting how the dog gently wakes them up by dragging their sheets and searching for a foot to lick. This image conveys a sense of warmth and familiarity, showing the special bond between the singer and their dog. The dog's actions serve as a reminder of the simple pleasures and routines that can bring comfort and joy to our lives.
The lyrics also touch on the playful nature of the dog, mentioning its love for playing ball and watching the singer play video games. These activities symbolize the shared moments of joy and connection between the singer and their beloved pet. The line "O meu cão é o mais bonito de todos, Esperto como nenhum outro" reflects the singer's deep admiration for their dog, emphasizing its beauty and intelligence.
The chorus of the song repeats the message that no matter what challenges life may bring, the singer knows that their dog will always be by their side. This sentiment conveys a sense of unwavering companionship and support from the loyal canine friend. The singer's actions, such as sneaking food to the dog and seeking comfort by resting their head on its belly, further illustrate the strong bond and love they share with their furry companion. Overall, the lyrics of "O Meu Cão" celebrate the unconditional love, loyalty, and joy that a dog can bring into our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Ele não ralha comigo e quer sempre brincar
He never scolds me and always wants to play
É o meu melhor amigo com ele posso contar
He is my best friend, I can always count on him
Se de manhã não acordo
If I don't wake up in the morning
À hora que tem que ser
At the time it needs to be
Ele arrasta os meus lençóis e
He drags my sheets and
Procura um pé p'ra lamber
Looks for a foot to lick
O meu cão gosta de jogar à bola
My dog likes to play ball
E de me ver jogar consola
And watch me play video games
O meu cão é o mais bonito de todos
My dog is the most beautiful of all
Esperto como nenhum outro
Smart like no other
Mesmo se a vida der p'ro torto
Even if life goes wrong
Eu sei que ele vai ser sempre o meu cão
I know he will always be my dog
Dou-lhe metade do lanche sem a minha mãe ver
I give him half of my snack without my mother seeing
Deito a cabeça na barriga dele
I lay my head on his belly
Quando quero adormecer
When I want to fall asleep
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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