Remaining true to the experimental and dada impulses of tropicalia, Zé has been noted for both his unorthodox approach to melody and instrumentation, employing unique instruments such as a typewriter. He has collaborated with many of the concrete poets of São Paulo, including Augusto de Campos, and employed concrete techniques in his lyrics. Musically, his work appropriates samba, bossa nova, Brazilian folk music, forró, and American rock and roll, among others. He has been praised by avant-garde composers for his use of dissonance, polytonality, and unusual time signatures.
In the early 1990s, Zé's work experienced a revival when American musician David Byrne discovered one of his albums, Estudando o Samba (1975), on a visit to Rio de Janeiro. Byrne went on to release a compilation of Zé's material as well as two full-length albums of new songs on his Luaka Bop label. A guitar riff from Zé's song Jimmy, Renda-se is sampled on R&B singer Amerie's song Take Control.
Quote: "I don't make art, I make spoken and sung journalism."
Mã
Tom Zé Lyrics
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Batiza esse nenem
Batiza esse nenem
Batiza esse nenem
Batizado bom
Batizado bom
Batizado bom
Eh, os sambas e arcanjos
Oh, a rua a arruaça (batizado bom)
Eh, a mão da madrugada (batizado bom)
Oh, a Lua enluarada (batizado bom)
Eh, o seio sua sede (batizado bom)
Eh, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã
Eh, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã
Eh, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã (batizado bom)
Eh, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã (batizado bom)
Eh, o seio sua sede
Oh, a Lua enluarada (batizado bom)
Eh, a mão da madrugada (batizado bom)
Oh, a Lua enluarada (batizado bom)
Eh, o seio sua sede
Eh, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã
The lyrics of Tom Ze's song "Ma" repeat the phrase "Batiza esse nenem" (Baptize this baby) several times, followed by "Batizado bom" (Good baptism). Throughout the song, Ze weaves together different images and ideas associated with the act of baptism. He references sambas and archangels, the chaos of the streets, the moonlit night, and the thirst of the baby. The repetition of "Mã" (Mother) is also prominent, perhaps highlighting the role of the mother in this ritual.
The overall meaning of the song is open to interpretation, but it could be seen as a celebration of the life cycle and the transformative power of rituals. Baptism is a symbolic cleansing and rebirth, and Ze seems to revel in the multiple dimensions of this act. His use of poetic imagery and repetition creates a hypnotic, almost meditative effect that draws the listener into the world of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Batiza esse nenem
Please baptize this child.
Batizado bom
Good baptism.
Eh, os sambas e arcanjos
Hey, the sambas and archangels.
Oh, a rua a arruaça (batizado bom)
Oh, the street is causing trouble (good baptism).
Eh, a mão da madrugada (batizado bom)
Hey, the hand of the dawn (good baptism).
Oh, a Lua enluarada (batizado bom)
Oh, the moonlight night (good baptism).
Eh, o seio sua sede (batizado bom)
Hey, the breast quenches its thirst (good baptism).
Eh, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã
Hey, mother, mother, mother, mother, mother, mother.
Eh, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã (batizado bom)
Hey, mother, mother, mother, mother, mother, mother (good baptism).
Eh, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã (batizado bom)
Hey, mother, mother, mother, mother, mother, mother (good baptism).
Eh, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã (batizado bom)
Hey, mother, mother, mother, mother, mother, mother (good baptism).
Eh, o seio sua sede
Hey, the breast quenches its thirst.
Oh, a Lua enluarada (batizado bom)
Oh, the moonlight night (good baptism).
Eh, a mão da madrugada (batizado bom)
Hey, the hand of the dawn (good baptism).
Oh, a Lua enluarada (batizado bom)
Oh, the moonlight night (good baptism).
Eh, o seio sua sede
Hey, the breast quenches its thirst.
Eh, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã, mã
Hey, mother, mother, mother, mother, mother, mother.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Antonio Jose Santana Martins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind