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.
if not for you
Zé Ramalho Lyrics
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Babe, I couldnt't find the door
Couldn't even see the floor
I'd be sad and blue
If not for you
If not for you
Babe, I'd lay awake all night
To shine in through
If not for you
If not for you
My sky would fall
Rain would gather too
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all
I'd be lost if not for you
And you know it's true
If not for you
The winter would have no spring
Couldn't hear the robin sing
Anyway it's true
If not for you
If not for you
My sky would fall
Rain would gather too
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all
I'd be lost if not for you
And you know it's true
If not for you
The winter would have no spring
Couldn't hear the robin sing
Anyway It's true
If not for you
If not for you
In Zé Ramalho's song "If Not For You," the lyrics describe the profound impact that his lover has had on his life, and how he would struggle to find purpose without them. The opening lines of the song explain that without his lover, he would be lost and unable to navigate his surroundings, admitting he couldn't even find the door or see the floor. The chorus repeats the sentiment that without his lover, he would have no direction, and the sky would fall, indicating a sense of impending doom.
The second verse further delves into the emotional turmoil that would come without his lover, indicating that he would be unable to sleep, waiting for the morning light to appear. He describes a desolate world where without his lover, there would be no spring, and he wouldn't be able to appreciate the beauty of the world around him. He concludes the song by stating that his love is the reason why he can survive through tough times.
Overall, the lyrics of "If Not For You" showcase the complete dependency and love that the singer has for his partner. They imply that without the support and love of his partner, he would find it very difficult to find happiness or purpose in life.
Line by Line Meaning
If not for you
Without you
Babe, I couldn't find the door
I would lose my way
Couldn't even see the floor
I would feel lost and confused
I'd be sad and blue
I would feel down and unhappy
If not for you
Without you
Babe, I'd lay awake all night
I would have trouble sleeping
Waiting for the mornin' light
Anticipating the start of a new day
To shine in through
Awaiting sunlight to appear
If not for you
Without you
My sky would fall
My world would collapse
Rain would gather too
Misery would accumulate
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all
Your love is my foundation
I'd be lost if not for you
I would feel directionless
And you know it's true
I'm aware of this reality
If not for you
Without you
The winter would have no spring
There would be no hope or new beginning
Couldn't hear the robin sing
I would be deaf to the beauty of nature
Anyway it's true
This is a fact
If not for you
Without you
If not for you
Without you
Contributed by Eli N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.