I think we can all agree that pretty much everyone loves concerts. The thrill of waiting for the band to come out, the first song, singing along and getting lost in the magic of the experience – can you picture it?
Now imagine it all in Portuguese – the crowds in the stands, screaming out the names of the band members, smiling and laughing and having the best time of their lives. This is what I experienced just two nights ago when my host family took Kayla and I to a 14bis concert.
14bis is a famous Brazilian band that began in the 80’s. They are still popular enough that people of all ages were at the concert – from 12-90+. People were dancing, jumping up & down, and waving their phones. It was truly one of the best concerts I’ve been to, even though I could only understand bits and pieces of the song lyrics.
Kayla looking fabulous immediately after the concert
Our host mom, Andrea, tried to translate parts of the songs during the concert, but it was so loud that it was practically impossible. After the concert, she told us that many of the song lyrics have deep meanings. This makes 14bis a valued band by those who look for songs with actual meaning rather than fluff lyrics. That was something I really appreciated about the band as well after finding out.
For example, here are some of the lyrics to their song “Bola de Meia, Bola de Gude” (meaning “Stocking ball, Marble” – perhaps this title has a deeper meaning in Portuguese than in English):
E me fala de coisas bonitas (And tell me about beautiful things)
Que eu acredito que no deixaro de existir (that I believe do not cease to exist)
Amizade, palavra respeito (Friendship, words of respect)
Carter, bondade, alegria e amor (Kindness, joy, and love)
Pois no posso, no devo, no quero (Because I cannot, I do not, I do not want)
Viver como toda essa gente insiste em viver (To live like all these people insist on living)
E no posso aceitar sossegado (And I cannot accept restfulness)
Those are just a few of the lyrics that are so loved by fans of 14bis. I wish I had been able to understand them during the concert, but perhaps there is beauty in finding out the true meaning after enjoying one of the best concerts of my life. I am now a fan of Brazilian pop/rock!
Kayla, Andrea, and I – in shock after the final song was played. What an amazing experience!
A picture of the women for Dia das Mães (Mother’s Day)
-Haven Robart
4 Comments
Susan Richardson · May 15, 2018 at 8:45 pm
Wow, what an experience that must have been!
Jim Richardson · May 15, 2018 at 9:54 pm
They might be to Brazilians what the Band Kansas means to me! Glad you guys loved it and thank your hosts from me for taking Kayla and yourself!
Rebekah Distaffen · May 17, 2018 at 12:24 am
I’m glad you enjoyed the concert 🙂 I guess we’ll have to start listening to this band some more. You’ll have to introduce me to your favorite songs! Thanks for sharing about this seemingly normal yet wonderfully different experience!
Teresa Ward · May 21, 2018 at 7:04 am
I call this family, my family. I have known Andrea for four years. Last Nov/ Dec I was a guest in her home. I love them all as if we were related by blood.