The Music of Brazil

It's been a long time since I wrote in my blog, so I've decided it's time to do so tonight.  This time, it will be in English, so the folks I'm leaving behind in a few months can follow along.  In the future, I hope to write a little more frequently - especially once I'm actually there.

As the title so succinctly says, I'm writing about the music of Brazil - I'll even include youtube videos for those who are curious.  However - I'm not even scratching the surface of Brazilian music.  There's so much of it that I haven't acclimatized my tastes to, or that I haven't even heard yet.  That said, music is a GREAT way to learn a language, and more importantly, start to experience a culture.  Sometimes, because you need to think and pay more attention to a song in a foreign language, you can even find deeper meaning in foreign language songs than you can in music in your native language.

So, the first song - interestingly enough, while the band is Brazilian, the lyrics are in English.  The band is Legiao Urbana, one of the biggest bands to have come from Brazil.  The song is called Mariane.  I think the reason I like this song so much is that it brings to mind some experiences that were quite significant in my life at the time they were happening.  I'm sure others can find their own ways to relate to this song as well.  And here it is:

Now, since I brought attention to one of their several English language songs, in all fairness, I have to show Legiao Urbana in the fullness of their Portuguese language glory.  This one's called Geracao Coca-Cola.  I'm sure a lot of people my age can relate to the "Generation Coca-Cola" - we definitely are quite a unique generation.  Maybe some day, I'll devote a whole post to this song, and what it means - but not today - I definitely wouldn't do it justice!

Capital Inicial is another band I quite enjoy - the lead singer has a certain quality to his voice that brings life to the music.  They are also one of the biggest bands to come from Brazil.  I have found watching their live performances to be quite entertaining.  I've heard stories of women trying to run on stage to grab onto their favourite male singer before - I have even seen a video clip or two.  But never had I seen the like of what this man has had to go through.  At one point, during one of his performances, I saw not one... not two... not even three women simultaneously rush the stage and grab onto him. There were FIVE of them.

Anyhow, I have to admit that this song rings true sometimes.  "Eu quero sempre mais que ontem, eu quero sempre mais que hoje, eu quero sempre mais do que posso ter!" - I always want more than yesterday, I always want more than today, I always want more than I can have!  Here it is:

One thing that has greatly surprised me about Brazilian music is that - I like country music!  No, I still hate North American country music - but Brazilian country music is acceptable.  Even quite enjoyable.  My first example of that - Victor and Leo.  And once again, the song I'm posting has some personal meaning for me.  The gist of it is, the gal abused and despised the one man who valued her most - so now, it's "It's okay, I'm already done and the time has passed - good luck to you!"  Good song, by guys with great voices - Boa Sorte Pra Voce!

Now, I will share one more song.  It's by another country artist.  This one, I shall call The Belo Horizonte Heartbreak.  Her voice is beautiful, and so is she.  And she's not married.  However, any dreams that may come of this fact were horribly shattered when my friend thought it would be funny to tell me that she would have a better chance with Paula Fernandes than I would.  Yes Natalia - you are aboslutely hilarious :P  Paula Fernandes it seems is not interested in the company of men.  But, all the same, she has an incredible voice, and great music.  Here it is, Jeito de Mato:

Now, I need to continue exploring the world of Brazilian music - it is definitely a very enjoyable way to learn the language!