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.
Onde Foi o Avô
Luísa Sobral Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Onde foi o Avô? Dizes que ele olha por mim
Mas se ele olha por mim
Eu às vezes estou na escola
Ou brinco no jardim
Se ele me vê mesmo assim
Onde foi o Avô? Quero vê-lo e dar-lhe a mão
Se agora está no céu posso ir lá de avião
Pois se ele olha por mim
Eu às vezes vou à praia
Que é bem longe daqui
Se ele me vê mesmo assim
Tem de estar num sítio alto
Onde não toco quando salto
E onde não se esquece de mim
The lyrics of Luísa Sobral's song "Onde Foi o Avô?" delve into the poignant themes of loss, remembrance, and the invisible presence of a loved one who has passed away. The repeated questioning of "Onde foi o Avô?" (Where did Grandpa go?) reflects the singer's longing and search for the grandfather who is no longer physically present in their life. This longing is accompanied by a sense of confusion and unknowing, as the singer expresses that they have not seen their grandfather and wonders where he has gone.
The lyrics also touch upon the belief or consolation that the grandfather is still watching over the singer from a different place, likely the heavens. By stating "Dizes que ele olha por mim" (You say he looks after me), the song suggests a sense of spiritual connection and protection felt by the singer, despite the physical absence of the grandfather. This idea of a guardian angel figure overseeing the singer's actions and well-being adds a layer of comfort and reassurance in the face of bereavement.
The singer further contemplates the potential ways in which the grandfather may still be present in their life, despite his absence. The references to everyday activities such as being at school, playing in the garden, or going to the beach highlight the mundane yet significant moments where the singer wishes to have the presence of their grandfather. The imagery of a high place like the sky or heaven is used to symbolize the unreachable yet omnipresent nature of the grandfather's watchful gaze over the singer.
Ultimately, the lyrics capture a sense of yearning, nostalgia, and longing for the grandfather's physical presence, while also acknowledging the intangible but enduring bond that transcends death. The desire to see the grandfather again, hold his hand, and feel his presence is expressed through the poignant line "Quero vê-lo e dar-lhe a mão" (I want to see him and hold his hand), emphasizing the emotional weight of missing a loved one and the continued sense of connection even in his absence. The song beautifully encapsulates the universal experience of grappling with loss, memory, and the enduring love that persists beyond the boundaries of life and death.
Line by Line Meaning
Onde foi o Avô? Nunca mais o vi
Where did Grandpa go? I haven't seen him anymore
Onde foi o Avô? Dizes que ele olha por mim
Where did Grandpa go? You say he watches over me
Mas se ele olha por mim
Eu às vezes estou na escola
Ou brinco no jardim
But if he watches over me, sometimes I'm at school or playing in the garden
Se ele me vê mesmo assim
Tem de estar num sítio alto como o céu
If he sees me like that, he must be in a high place like the sky
Onde foi o Avô? Quero vê-lo e dar-lhe a mão
Se agora está no céu posso ir lá de avião
Where did Grandpa go? I want to see him and hold his hand. If he's in heaven now, I can go there by airplane
Pois se ele olha por mim
Eu às vezes vou à praia
Que é bem longe daqui
Because if he watches over me, sometimes I go to the beach, which is very far from here
Se ele me vê mesmo assim
Tem de estar num sítio alto
Onde não toco quando salto
E onde não se esquece de mim
If he sees me like that, he must be in a high place where I can't reach when I jump, and where he doesn't forget me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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