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.
Falas Do Povo
Zé Ramalho Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nada de velho ou de novo
Em velhas mansardas, mansões e motéis
Os homens planejam os seus carretéis
Novelos e linhas, labirintos e ruas
As mulheres e luas são pedaços da noite
Vizinhos avisam, prezam seus anéis
Apitos de fábrica ressoaram de novo
Alegria do povo é sambar e sonhar
Falo da vida do povo
Nada de velho ou de novo . . .
Em feiras distantes, romeiros fiéis
Desfiam seu canto, velhos menestréis
Pelejas e lutas, esperanças de novo
Ninguém pede socorro nem se afoga no mar
Mendigos e risos, os ferrões do amor
Novamente os risos, os leões, domador
Acertaram no alvo, acertaram no negro
Descobrir o segredo de sorrir e chorar
Falo da vida do povo
Nada de velho ou de novo . . .
In Zé Ramalho's song Falas Do Povo, he is talking about the life of the people. The first line of the song itself means "I speak of the life of the people". He continues in the next line stating that he is not discussing anything old or new. The following lines are indicating the different locations where people plan their lives. Some of them are in old mansions, some are in motels, and some are in lofts. The second verse is talking about some of the same themes but expands into more detail. People go to far fairs and sing about their prayers, hopes, and struggles. They make do with what they have and find humor in life's struggles.
Overall, Zé Ramalho is providing a snapshot of the daily life of people living in Brazil. He is not discussing anything grand, but rather the everyday struggles and joys of people. People carry on with their lives and maintain their hope, despite the daily struggles they face.
Line by Line Meaning
Falo da vida do povo
I speak of the life of the people
Nada de velho ou de novo
Nothing old or new
In old attics, mansions and motels
In old and new buildings and hotels
Men plan their reels
Men make plans for their lives
Yarns and threads, labyrinths and streets
Thoughts and emotions, complicated lives
Women and moons are pieces of the night
Women and the moon symbolize the mystery of the night
Neighbors warn, value their rings
Neighbors watch out for each other, protect their belongings
The cost of living, a story of reis
The high cost of living, a tale of hardship
Factory whistles echoed again
The sound of machines and factories working once more
The joy of the people is to samba and dream
The people find joy in dancing and dreaming
In distant markets, faithful pilgrims
In faraway places, devoted travelers
Sing their song, old minstrels
Tell their stories, old musicians
Battles and struggles, hopes anew
Fighting and striving, hoping for a better future
No one asks for help or drowns in the sea
People overcome struggles and do not give up
Beggars and laughter, the sting of love
Poverty and romance, the pain and beauty of life
Again, the laughter, the lions, the tamer
Once again, the laughter and happiness, the danger and excitement
They hit the target, they hit the black
They succeeded in their aim, they overcame adversity
To discover the secret of smiling and crying
To understand the mystery of life's ups and downs
Contributed by Noah C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.