The group took off after being signed to Capitol Records in 1952 at the insistence of high profile fan, Stan Kenton. They remained popular throughout the 50s and early 60s, releasing a wide array of successful albums, movie and television appearances and performing countless sold-out concerts. The band eventually lost mainstream attention with the emergence of the British pop bands of the 1960s, even though they managed to stay together even after the retirement of final original member Bob Flanigan in 1992.
As of 2001, the Freshmen have been composed of Bob Ferreira, Brian Eichenberger, Curtis Calderon, and Vince Johnson. Although the new lineup of the Four Freshmen have continued the legendary vocal tradition of the original band and perform many of the same standards, the current sound has more of a lounge sound rather than focusing primarily upon harmonies. This modernized sound has proven quite successful, as the group won Down Beat magazine's reader's poll award for Vocal Group of the Year in 2000, proving the quartet's prominence in the jazz world today.
Brazil
The Four Freshmen Lyrics
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We stood beneath an amber moon
And softly murmured "Someday soon"
We kissed and clung together
Then, tomorrow was another day
The morning found me miles away
With still a million things to say
Recalling thrills of our love
There's one thing I'm certain of
Return I will to old Brazil
Then, tomorrow was another day
The morning found me miles away
With still a million things to say
Now, when twilight dims the sky above
Recalling thrills of our love
There's one thing that I'm certain of
Return I will to old Brazil
That old Brazil
Man, it's old in Brazil
Brazil, Brazil
The lyrics of The Four Freshmen's song "Brazil" describe the memories of a love that was formed in Brazil during the month of June. The couple stood beneath an amber moon, softly murmuring to each other with the hope of one day being together. They kissed and clung together with the promise of someday soon. However, the lyrics also speak of the harsh reality that tomorrow was another day, and the morning found the singer miles away with still a million things to say. Now, when twilight dims the sky above, the singer recalls the thrilling memories of their love and is certain that they will return to old Brazil.
The lyrics are filled with romantic nuances, with the use of phrases like "amber moon" and "twilight dims the sky above," that give the song an indulgent feel. It is also very interesting to note that "Brazil" was first recorded in 1942 as "Aquarela Do Brasil" by Brazilian musician Ary Barroso. The song was later translated into English by Bob Russell in 1944, which was then recorded by Xavier Cugat and his orchestra. The Four Freshmen version of "Brazil" was recorded in 1958, and it became a hit worldwide. It is also interesting to note that the word "someday" is used twice in the lyrics, further emphasizing the hope of a future together, symbolizing the message in the song to never give up on love.
Additionally, the song is noted for its fusion of Brazilian samba music with American Jazz, making it a signature song in bossa nova music. The song has also been used in numerous films like Terry Gilliam's "Brazil" and Peter Bogdanovich's "What's Up Doc?" The song was also sung by K P Muthukumar in the 2008 Tamil film "Anjathey." It is evident that the song's versatility has made it a musical staple in many parts of the world.
Ultimately, "Brazil" is a romantic song about the hope and promise that love brings, even when it appears out of reach. Through the use of poetic language and samba influences, the song captures the magic of love that can forever be cherished in the hearts of its listeners for a lifetime.
Line by Line Meaning
Brazil, where hearts were entertaining June
Brazil was a place where love flourished during the month of June.
We stood beneath an amber moon
We enjoyed a romantic moment under a beautiful moonlit sky.
And softly murmured 'Someday soon'
We whispered to each other about our plans to be together in the future.
We kissed and clung together
We shared a passionate embrace, holding on tightly to each other.
Then, tomorrow was another day
Despite our strong feelings, we knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges.
The morning found me miles away
When I woke up, I was far from Brazil and my loved one.
With still a million things to say
I regretted not being able to share my feelings before I had to leave.
Now, when twilight dims the sky above
Years later, as the sun sets, I am reminded of that special time in Brazil.
Recalling thrills of our love
I reminisce about our passionate romance.
There's one thing I'm certain of
Despite the passing of time, I know that my love for Brazil and my lost love remains strong.
Return I will to old Brazil
I promise to return to Brazil, to relive those treasured moments with my loved one.
That old Brazil
The Brazil of memories, the place where we shared our love.
Man, it's old in Brazil
Brazil may have changed with time, but my memories of it remain unchanged.
Brazil, Brazil
The very mention of Brazil brings back my cherished memories of love.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ary Barroso
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind