As with many musicians back in his younger days, he was first influenced by rock and roll; however, at the age of 20, his music took a more Northeastern Brazilian approach (forro, folk). Zé Ramalho's lyrics however, are very influenced by the socio-economic difficulties faced by the average Brazilian.
In 1975, he recorded his first album, Paêbirú along with Lula Côrtes through the label Rozenblit. Today the copies from this very rare vinyl are highly-priced in the international collector's market.
Dear Prudence
Zé Ramalho Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Won't you come
Out to play?
Dear prudence
Greet
The brand new day
The sun is up
The sky is blue
And so are you
Dear prudence
Won't you come
Out to play?
Dear prudence
Open up your eyes
Dear prudence
See the sunny skies
The wind is low
The birds will sing
That you are part
Of everything
Dear prudence
Won't you open up
Your eyes?
Look around round
Look around
Round round
Look around
Dear prudence
Let me
See you smile
Dear prudence
Like
A little child
The clouds
Will be
A daisy chain
So let me see you
Smile again
Dear prudence
Won't you let me
See you smile?
Dear prudence
Won't you come
Out to play?
Dear prudence
Greet
The brand new day
The sun is up
The sky is blue
It's beautiful
And so are you
Dear prudence
Won't you come
Out to play?
The song "Dear Prudence" by Zé Ramalho is a graceful reveille to a friend, urging them to leave their sorrows behind and come outside to join the world. The song opens with a plea to Prudence to step outside, greet the day and relish in the beauty that surrounds her. The sun is up and the sky is blue and there is a sublime harmony to the world which should be enjoyed. However, Prudence is hesitant and perhaps even melancholic, and so the song encourages her to open her eyes and appreciate the sunshine, the light touches of the wind and the music of the birds. The song invites Prudence to connect to the natural world and recognise that she too is a part of everything around her.
The song urges Prudence to "look around" – a call to observe the world with fresh eyes and to embrace the joy that is brought by it. As the song continues, a connection is made between Prudence and the world. She is urged to smile like a little child, to enjoy the world's sights and sounds, and to see the world as a daisy chain. Zé Ramalho encourages Prudence to leave behind the sadness and pain of the world and to revel in the beauty that surrounds her. Finally, the song wraps up with the same request to come out and play – once again urging Prudence to join the world outside.
Line by Line Meaning
Dear prudence
The singer speaks to Prudence, someone he knows or a metaphorical representation of a friend, telling her to come out and enjoy the day.
Won't you come
The singer is asking Prudence to come out and join him.
Out to play?
He is suggesting that they engage in something enjoyable together.
Greet
The singer urges Prudence to welcome the new day.
The brand new day
The singer emphasizes that it's a new day, with endless possibilities.
The sun is up
He acknowledges that the sun is shining.
The sky is blue
He states that the sky is a clear blue color.
It's beautiful
He observes that it's a beautiful day.
And so are you
He compliments Prudence, telling her that she is beautiful too.
Open up your eyes
The singer is encouraging Prudence to be aware of everything around her and to be present in the moment.
See the sunny skies
He urges her to see the beauty of the sunny day.
The wind is low
The wind is not blowing hard.
The birds will sing
He points out that the birds are singing, indicating a sense of joy and harmony.
That you are part
Prudence is part of the environment around her.
Of everything
All things in nature, including Prudence, are interconnected.
Won't you open up
The singer is still urging Prudence to be more aware of her surroundings.
Look around round
He is telling her to take a good look at what is happening around her.
Like a little child
He wants her to approach life with the same sense of wonder and excitement as a child would.
The clouds
The clouds in the sky.
Will be
The clouds have the potential to become something else.
A daisy chain
The clouds may take the shape of flowers linked together in a chain.
So let me see you
The singer is asking Prudence to show him.
Smile again
He wants to see her happy, carefree smile again.
Let me see you smile?
The singer repeats his request for her to smile again.
Writer(s): John Lennon, Paul Mccartney
Contributed by Asher E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@luiss51
Genial, conseguiu mexer numa obra prima sem tirar a essência e a transformou num obra mais prima ainda com a forte e linda marca nordestina do grande Ze Ramalho da Paraíba(sempre).
@wagnersilva7918
ótima interpretação. Zé Ramalho e Siouxsie & the Banshees deixaram uma marca bastante peculiar à música dos Beatles.
@TheMmaggiori
O Zé Ramalho é um gênio, o arranjo tá maravilhoso, e é uma grande homenagem aos Beatles! Gostei de verdade!
@felipetosonbraga
que arranjo legal! uma homenagem aos músicos brasileiros q podem e conseguem transar todo o tipo de música
@catlovely1
ZÉ RAMALHO É O QUE HÁ DE MELHOR NA MUSICA BRASILEIRA!!!!!
@VitorLeone13
ele apenas pôs o sotaque e o estilo dele na música, o timbre dele é muito bonito, e parece até um sotaque Russo quando ele fala dear prudence, "DearrrrRR"
@rayscs
Caramba, que tesouro achei aqui!!!!
@galapagosstation3399
Excelente! E sou beatlemaníaco de carteirinha. Arte é assim. É uma pena que não é pra qualquer bico.
@joaobatistaschmittschmitt2771
Zé Ramalho é um grande artista está sempre se reinventando,nós devíamos nos orgulhar da criatividade de nossos músicos.Não é a toa que muitas pessoas do mundo todo admiram a musicalidade brasileira.Quem não gostou é só procurar outras músicas aqui mesmo no you Tube de acordo com seus gostos pessoais.J.B.Schmitt-Gravataí-RS
@yarabretas
Eu gostei, com ou sem sotaque... e foi uma bonita homenagem sim...