Serafim

Gilberto Gil's song 'Serafim' is a rich tapestry of Afro-Brazilian spirituality, weaving together elements of Candomblé, a religion that blends African traditions with Catholicism. The song opens with the sound of the agogô, a traditional African bell, symbolizing a call to the divine. The lyrics compare this sound to the cry of a calf being sacrificed to Ogum, the orixá (deity) of war and iron, highlighting the ritualistic and sacrificial aspects of the religion.

The song continues to explore the interplay between life and death, as represented by the drumbeats—'pele sobre pele' (skin on skin). This phrase signifies the intimate connection between the physical and spiritual realms. The mention of 'vida e morte' (life and death) underscores the cyclical nature of existence, a core belief in Candomblé. The song pays homage to various orixás, including Xangô, the god of thunder, and Iansã, the goddess of winds and storms, emphasizing their importance in maintaining cosmic balance.

The recurring phrase 'Kabieci lê' and 'Eparrei, ora iêiê' are traditional Candomblé salutations, further grounding the song in its spiritual context. The lyrics also mention Exu, the trickster orixá who governs the crossroads and communication, suggesting that life's journey is fraught with challenges but ultimately guided by divine forces. The song concludes with a message of resilience and continuity, symbolized by 'pedra sobre pedra' (stone upon stone) and 'tijolo sobre tijolo' (brick upon brick), indicating that the spiritual journey is an ongoing process that builds upon itself.

'Oba bi Olorum koozi,' a Yoruba phrase meaning 'like God, there is none,' encapsulates the song's reverence for the divine. Through its poetic lyrics and rhythmic complexity, 'Serafim' serves as a profound meditation on faith, sacrifice, and the eternal nature of the spiritual journey.