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.
Kamikaze
Zé Ramalho Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Muito na arte politica
Eu nunca pude ser playboy,
Nem se quer me adiantar.
O tempo em que me separei,
Numa razão tão mística,
Um cavaleiro,
Um verdadeiro kamikaze.
Um avião destruidor de lares,
Um passeio pelos ares,
Um megaton de poucas esperanças,
Bombas e lembranças.
E quando eu de lá voltar,
Não sei se poderei ficar,
Ali onde beijei você,
Deixando tudo pra viver.
(bis)
(ZuzoBem Gara)
The lyrics to Zé Ramalho's Kamikaze reflect the artist's indifference to politics and his rejection of the materialistic lifestyle of the rich and privileged. Ramalho describes himself as a kamikaze, a suicide pilot who is dedicated to his craft and willing to sacrifice everything for his art. He sees himself as a destroyer of homes and relationships, an adventurer who will take to the skies and rain down destruction on those who stand in his way.
Ramalho's kamikaze is not a cowboy, but a knight, suggesting that he sees himself as a warrior who is fighting a noble cause, even if it means destroying himself in the process. He describes his kamikaze as a megaton of despair, a force that cannot be stopped and will leave nothing but memories in its wake. Ramalho reflects on the choice he has made, wondering if he will be able to return to the life he left behind, or if he will be forever changed by his experience.
Overall, Kamikaze is a powerful and introspective track that explores the themes of dedication, sacrifice, and artistic creation. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity, and a reminder that sometimes, the path to greatness requires great sacrifice.
Line by Line Meaning
Eu nunca que me dediquei,
I have never devoted myself too much to political art.
Muito na arte politica
I have not spent a lot of time focused on political art.
Eu nunca pude ser playboy,
I have never been able to be a playboy,
Nem se quer me adiantar.
nor have I been able to get ahead.
O tempo em que me separei,
The time when I separated,
Numa razão tão mística,
was for such a mystical reason,
Um cavaleiro,
a knight,
Nunca um cowboy,
never a cowboy,
Um verdadeiro kamikaze.
a true kamikaze.
Um avião destruidor de lares,
A home-wrecker plane,
Um passeio pelos ares,
a flight,
Um megaton de poucas esperanças,
a megaton of little hope,
Bombas e lembranças.
Bombs and memories.
E quando eu de lá voltar,
And when I come back from there,
Não sei se poderei ficar,
I don't know if I'll be able to stay
Ali onde beijei você,
Where I kissed you,
Deixando tudo pra viver.
leaving everything to live.
(bis)
Contributed by Josiah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@elektraxp3883
Essa música é uma das coisas mais lindas que já ouvi na vida. Grande Zé Ramalho, paraibano extraordinário.
@csrvcruz
Concordo contigo, Maria Vitoria. \o/
@d.j.3257
Ouço duas 3 vezes seguidas kkkkk
@augustocesarsantos450
Uma das canções mais lindas que já ouvi em toda a minha vida ! A paz que sinto ao escutar essa música de Zé Ramalho é algo inexplicável e inigualável também .
@d.j.3257
Também
@marcoscordeiro
"Um megaton de poucas esperanças bombas e lembranças"
@giovanniaraujo8635
A musica que retrata a realidade de muitos, inclusive a minha!
@ethevaldorogerioalmeida115
Essa música é perfeita.
@vanderluciaramalhodossanto5929
Amo ❤❤❤❤❤❤
@ethevaldorogerioalmeida115
Essa música parece ter sido feita para mim,me identifiquei desde a primeira vez que a escutei.