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.
In My Life
Zé Ramalho Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Though some have changed,
Some forever, not for better,
Some have gone and some remain.
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall.
Some are dead and some are living.
But of all these friends and lovers,
There is no one compares with you,
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new.
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before,
I know I'll often stop and think about them,
In my life I'll love you more.
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before,
I know I'll often stop and think about them,
In my life I'll love you more.
In my life I'll love you more.
Zé Ramalho's song "In My Life" is a tribute to the memories that the singer has accumulated over his life. It talks about the different locations that he has visited and the people he has met along the way. Some of these places have undergone changes, some are forever not for the better, while others remain the same. They are all special and have moments that he can recall with sweet nostalgia. The lyrics of the song reflect on the withering nature of life and the importance of love and friendship.
Ramalho sings about how people and places in his life have come and gone, the lovers and friends he has had to say goodbye to, and how he can remember all of them with such clarity. He talks about how even though these people have gone, there is no one who compares to the person he loves most - the person who is in his life at that very moment. There is no doubt that he cherishes those memories but he knows that his love for that special person is what matters most.
The song may be interpreted to be about the nature of life and the passing of time, but it can also be seen as a love song. Ramalho emphasizes how he will always remember those places and people he has met in his life, but it is his love for the person singing to, that will always hold the most significant place in his heart.
Line by Line Meaning
There are places I remember all my life,
I carry the memories of the places that have been meaningful to me throughout my life.
Though some have changed,
Although some of these places have transformed over time.
Some forever, not for better,
Some of these places have remained but not improved in quality.
Some have gone and some remain.
Some places have ceased to exist while some continue to exist.
All these places had their moments
All these places hold special memories and significant moments in my life.
With lovers and friends I still can recall.
These places are tied to my relationships with people who have played important roles in my life.
Some are dead and some are living.
Some of the significant people in my life are no longer living while some continue to exist.
In my life I've loved them all.
Through all the changes and losses, I have loved and cherished all of these people and places.
But of all these friends and lovers,
I have had many companions in my life but there is someone who stands out from the rest.
There is no one compares with you,
You are incomparable and hold a special place in my heart.
And these memories lose their meaning
Thoughts of these people and places become insignificant and meaningless.
When I think of love as something new.
When I discovered new love, it redefined the meaning of my past memories.
Though I know I'll never lose affection
Despite moving on and forming new relationships, I will always carry feelings of affection towards my past companions.
For people and things that went before,
I continue to hold strong emotions for the people and things from my past.
I know I'll often stop and think about them,
I will frequently contemplate the memories of my past companions.
In my life I'll love you more.
However, above all, my love for you will always surpass every past affection and retain its significance in my life.
In my life I'll love you more.
In my life, my love for you will only continue to grow and remain predominant.
Writer(s): John Lennon
Contributed by Kayla G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.