Franks grew up in southern California with his father Gerald, his mother Betty and younger sister Christine who is the mother of Connor Sullivan (The lead singer of The Royal Nonesuch). Although no one in his family played music, his parents loved swing music and his early influences included Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Johnny Mercer. At age 14 Franks bought his first guitar, a Japanese Marco Polo for $29.95 with six private lessons included - the only music education that he received.
At University High in Irvine, Franks discovered the poetry of Theodore Roethke with his off-rhymes and hidden meter. In high school, he began singing folk-rock, accompanying himself on guitar. Studying English at UCLA Michael discovered Dave Brubeck, Patti Page, Stan Getz, João Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Miles Davis. He never studied music in college or later, but earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA in comparative literature in 1966 and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Oregon in 1968. He had a teaching assistantship in a Ph.D. program in American literature at the University of Montreal before returning to teach part-time at UCLA.
During this time Franks started writing songs, starting with the antiwar musical Anthems in E-flat starring Mark Hamill. He also composed music for the films Count Your Bullets, Cockfighter, and Zandy's Bride, starring Liv Ullmann and Gene Hackman. Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee recorded three of his songs, including "White Boy Lost in the Blues" on their album Sonny & Brownie. Franks played guitar, banjo and mandolin on the album and joined them in touring. In 1973, he recorded an eponymous album, later reissued as Previously Unavailable, which included the minor hit "Can't Seem to Shake This Rock 'n Roll".
In 1975 Franks released his second album The Art of Tea, beginning a long relationship with Warner Brothers Music. The Art of Tea featured Joe Sample, Larry Carlton and Wilton Felder of The Crusaders and included the hit song "Popsicle Toes". His third album, Sleeping Gypsy (1977), which includes the song "The Lady Wants to Know", was partially recorded in Brazil. Around this time, percussionist Ray Armando gave Franks a cabasa, which became a signature instrument for him to play on stage when he was not playing guitar. Burchfield Nines (1978), which includes the song "When the Cookie Jar Is Empty", reflects his move to New York City and features more of an East Coast sound. Since then, Franks has recorded more than 15 albums.
His best known works include "When I Give My Love to You", "Popsicle Toes", "Monkey See, Monkey Do", "Tiger in the Rain", "Rainy Night in Tokyo", and "Tell Me All About It". His biggest hit came in 1983 with "When Sly Calls (Don't Touch That Phone)" from the album Passionfruit. Radio hits include "Your Secret's Safe With Me" from 1985's Skin Dive, and "Island Life" from 1987s The Camera Never Lies.
Down in Brazil
Michael Franks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It takes a day to walk a mile
Time just stand still
And when the people you meet look at you they smile
They still believe in style
They serve you with their sambas 'til
You really know you're down in ol' Brazil
You can tell you're down in ol' Brazil
Down in Brazil
They've never heard of win or lose
If you can't feel
Then all those cafe ole girls in high heel shoes
Will really cure your blues
It seems they all just aim to please
Those women sway like wind in my banana trees
Then you know you're down in ol' Brazil
Down in Brazil
They know a million ways to play
You start to feel
And when you're happy
It's the same as when you pray
You'd think you get away
Then you know you never will
Now when you've been down in ol' Brazil
Now when you are down in ol' Brazil
Down in ol' Brazil
Down in ol' Brazil
Down in ol' Brazil
Down in ol' Brazil
The Michael Franks song "Down in Brazil" is a whimsical ode to the joy and beauty of the South American nation. The opening line, "It takes a day to walk a mile," sets the tone for the leisurely pace of life in Brazil, where things move slowly and time seems to stand still. Franks describes the friendly, stylish people he encounters, who always seem to be smiling and enjoying life. They take pleasure in sharing their music and dance, serving up sambas that transport visitors to a different world.
The lyrics convey a sense of escape and freedom, as if life Down in Brazil is carefree and easy. There is no pressure to win or lose, no expectations of success or failure. Instead, the emphasis is on feeling and experience, on being present in the moment and enjoying what life has to offer. This is exemplified in the chorus, where Franks sings, "And when you're happy / It's the same as when you pray."
The final verse of the song suggests that even when visitors leave Brazil, the experience lingers on. They may think they can "get away" from the joy and spirit of the country, but in reality, it stays with them forever. The song is a love letter to Brazil, with its colorful culture, friendly people, and laid-back attitude, and a celebration of the magic of travel and adventure.
Line by Line Meaning
Down in Brazil
The following lines describe the unique and wonderful experience of being in Brazil.
It takes a day to walk a mile
Life in Brazil is slow-paced and leisurely, with no rush to get anywhere.
Time just stand still
Time seems to move at a different pace in Brazil, where people take it easy and enjoy life.
And when the people you meet look at you they smile
Brazilians are friendly and welcoming to outsiders and treat them with kindness and warmth.
They still believe in style
Despite the laid-back atmosphere, Brazilians still appreciate fashion and beauty in all forms.
They serve you with their sambas 'til
The music and rhythm of Brazil are an integral part of the culture and way of life, and visitors are treated to it with open arms.
You really know you're down in ol' Brazil
When you experience this unique way of life firsthand, it becomes clear that there's nowhere else like Brazil.
They've never heard of win or lose
Competition and the concept of winning or losing are not emphasized in Brazilian culture; instead, enjoyment of life and relationships is prioritized.
If you can't feel
If you can't find joy and pleasure in the laid-back atmosphere and culture of Brazil, you won't find it anywhere.
Then all those cafe ole girls in high heel shoes
Brazilians are known for their beauty and style, and fashionable young women are everywhere.
Will really cure your blues
The beauty, joy, and culture of Brazil have a way of lifting one's mood and spirit no matter how down they may have been.
It seems they all just aim to please
Brazilians prioritize hospitality and making visitors or strangers feel welcome and happy in their country.
Those women sway like wind in my banana trees
The women of Brazil are known for their sensuality and grace, as demonstrated in the way they move and dance.
They know a million ways to play
Brazilians have a rich and diverse culture with countless ways to enjoy life, from music, to dance, to food, to sports.
You start to feel
The longer you stay in Brazil, the more you begin to appreciate and enjoy the unique cultural experiences it has to offer.
And when you're happy
The joy and pleasure of Brazilian life can be just as spiritual and fulfilling as any religious practice.
It's the same as when you pray
The spiritual and emotional satisfaction of being in Brazil can feel just as profound as engaging in prayer or meditation.
You'd think you get away
Even when you leave Brazil, you can't forget the experiences and feelings of joy and closeness that stay with you forever.
Then you know you never will
The culture and lifestyle of Brazil are unforgettable and unique, leaving a lasting impact on those who visit or live there.
Down in ol' Brazil
Throughout the whole song, the artist celebrates the experience of being in Brazil and enjoying its culture, people, and way of life.
Down in ol' Brazil
Down in ol' Brazil
Down in ol' Brazil
Contributed by Lila S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
S O U N D
💕
Down in Brazil
It takes a day to walk a mile
Time just stand still
And when the people you meet look at you they smile
They still believe in style
They serve you with their sambas 'til
You really know you're down in ol' Brazil
You can tell you're down in ol' Brazil
Down in Brazil
They've never heard of win or lose
If you can't feel
Then all those cafe ole girls in high heel shoes
Will really cure your blues
It seems they all just aim to please
Those women sway like wind in my banana trees
Then you know you're down in ol' Brazil
Down in Brazil
They know a million ways to play
You start to feel
And when you're happy
It's the same as when you pray
You'd think you get away
Then you know you never will
Now when you've been down in ol' Brazil
Now when you are down in ol' Brazil
Down in ol' Brazil
Down in ol' Brazil
Down in ol' Brazil
Down in ol' Brazil
Curious Curious
@Khari You ready, Khari??? Don't miss any of these...Bossa-Nova / Samba (Brazilian sway)
Corcovado • Andrea Motis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz7Zq2pyBxI
Corcovado • Astrud Gilberto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9srw5FRm5eA
Água de Beber • Astrud Gilberto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0gzsR-40Bw
Meditation • Astrud Gilberto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pJu0XjRFk0
Desafinado • Rita Payés...(she's 14 yrs. old here!):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0BKwVJI8So
Desafinado • Joåo Gilberto and Stan Getz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So718wk426c
Flor de lis • Rita Payés: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMTMp8EM1VI
Summertime • Andrea Motis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxIPVAPRBi4
Lullaby of Birdland • Andrea Motis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ta17oBv2w
Mas Que Nada • Sergio Mendez and Brasil '66 (awesome oldie!): https://youtu.be/BrZBiqK0p9E?t=15
Samba de Verao • Nossa Alma Canta Trio* (Rosa is flat out beautiful...listen!)...and lyrics!Preview the document Rosa: https://youtu.be/tKE7zt_1Z20?t=7
Wave • Nova: https://youtu.be/TBHQ-CJLPi4
Mary Carroll
When my husband and I started dating, he would have me over to his apartment and we would listen to Michael Franks, Kenny Rankin, and Dan Fogelberg albums. How could I not fall in love? Close to 39 years and we still listen this music. ❤❤❤
Jaen Boston
It is a shame that few women today don't know what it feels like to be romanticized by this music.
NP Cortez
that's so sweet..
Furaha joel
I fell in love one of the reasons is Michael Franks, he is my Hero.
E Adler
Beautiful..
Delwin Merricks
That's special you guys have what most of us wish and could only dream of having I felt that way about a young lady once the u s marine corps got in the way those 2 years with her I've been looking for for 40 years or so you guys are blessed
S O U N D
💕
Down in Brazil
It takes a day to walk a mile
Time just stand still
And when the people you meet look at you they smile
They still believe in style
They serve you with their sambas 'til
You really know you're down in ol' Brazil
You can tell you're down in ol' Brazil
Down in Brazil
They've never heard of win or lose
If you can't feel
Then all those cafe ole girls in high heel shoes
Will really cure your blues
It seems they all just aim to please
Those women sway like wind in my banana trees
Then you know you're down in ol' Brazil
Down in Brazil
They know a million ways to play
You start to feel
And when you're happy
It's the same as when you pray
You'd think you get away
Then you know you never will
Now when you've been down in ol' Brazil
Now when you are down in ol' Brazil
Down in ol' Brazil
Down in ol' Brazil
Down in ol' Brazil
Down in ol' Brazil
skipjack820
this was released in 1977 but it still sounds as fresh today as back then!
Tyza Harper
I was born....45 now....Brazil
Jaen Boston
Those were the days and we thought they would never end!!