Initially playing in colleges, Toquinho's professional career took off in the 1960s at shows promoted by radio personality Walter Silva at the famous Paramount theater in São Paulo. He composed his first recorded song with Chico Buarque entitled "Lua Cheia" (Full Moon). His first big hit was composed in 1970 with Jorge Benjor, "Que Maravilha" (What a Wonder). That same year he was invited by Vinícius de Moraes, co-writer of the worldwide hit song "Garota de Ipanema" (The Girl from Ipanema), to participate in a series of shows in Buenos Aires, forming a solid partnership that would continue for 11 years and produce 120 songs, 25 records and over a thousand shows.
After the death of Vinícius de Moraes in 1980, he went on to pursue a solo career, often performing with other talented musicians like Paulinho da Viola, Danilo Caymmi, Paulinho Nogueira and Chico Buarque. He continues to record and play.
Meu Irmão
Toquinho Lyrics
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Faz muito tempo faz
Que eu não te canto
Uma canção.
Que eu não te conto uma aventura,
Um sonho, uma ilusão.
Que eu não me sento calmamente
Junto com você.
Meu irmão,
Comigo os dias normalmente
Cumprem sua função
Entre sinuca, futebol,
Amor e violão.
Mas quando o tempo escurece,
Vêm os temporais,
E nem blasfêmias, crenças, preces
Não ajudam mais,
E a gente perde a paz...
Aí eu lembro de você
E essa lembrança me agiganta.
Me faz vencer a dor
E quando caio me levanta.
Me faz conter o tempo
E põe o mundo inteiro
Em minhas mãos...
Você meu grande herói,
Mais poderoso que o inimigo.
Você, constante amigo,
Meu distante companheiro.
Você, que o tempo inteiro
Não tem medo do perigo, não.
The lyrics to the song "Meu Irmão" by Toquinho are a tribute to the bond between siblings. The song starts with the singer acknowledging that it has been a long time since he has sung a song to his brother, or shared stories or dreams with him. The passage of time, as the singer reflects, has made him and his brother grow apart, and they no longer have the same closeness they once had. However, despite this distance, the singer still feels a deep connection to his brother, which becomes evident in the chorus, where he declares that his brother is his hero.
The second part of the song shows the singer reflecting on the struggles that he faces alone, such as storms of life that can't be helped by prayer or religion. It is during these difficult times that he remembers his brother and that memory gives him the strength to carry on. His brother is not only a constant friend but also a brave friend who is not afraid of taking risks. To conclude, the song is an ode to the bond between siblings, and how it can provide comfort, courage, and strength when things get tough.
Line by Line Meaning
Meu irmão,
Addressing his brother.
Faz muito tempo faz
Que eu não te canto
Uma canção.
Que eu não te conto uma aventura,
Um sonho, uma ilusão.
Que eu não me sento calmamente
Junto com você.
O tempo passa...
It has been a long time since he sang a song and shared an adventure, a dream, or an illusion with his brother. He misses sitting peacefully with him, but time has passed without them doing it.
Meu irmão,
Comigo os dias normalmente
Cumprem sua função
Entre sinuca, futebol,
Amor e violão.
Mas quando o tempo escurece,
Vêm os temporais,
E nem blasfêmias, crenças, preces
Não ajudam mais,
E a gente perde a paz...
In normal days, they play pool, soccer, sing love songs, and play guitar together. However, when tough times come, none of their beliefs or prayers help. They both deal with anxiety and lose peace of mind.
Aí eu lembro de você
E essa lembrança me agiganta.
Me faz vencer a dor
E quando caio me levanta.
Me faz conter o tempo
E põe o mundo inteiro
Em minhas mãos...
Thinking of his brother creates a sense of strength and makes him overcome pain. His brother is like a support system who helps him get back on his feet and manipulate time, holding the entire world in his hands.
Você meu grande herói,
Mais poderoso que o inimigo.
Você, constante amigo,
Meu distante companheiro.
Você, que o tempo inteiro
Não tem medo do perigo, não.
He sees his brother as a hero, even more powerful than the enemy. He acknowledges him as a constant friend and a distant companion who is always brave in the face of danger.
Contributed by Carter E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.