Funk-se Quem Puder

Gilberto Gil's song 'Funk-se Quem Puder' is a vibrant celebration of music and dance, urging listeners to embrace the rhythm and let it take over their bodies. The title itself is a playful imperative, suggesting that those who can, should 'funk'—a term that here means to dance with abandon. The lyrics emphasize the physicality of dance, encouraging people to move their bodies, feel the music in their muscles, and let the rhythm permeate every atom of their being.

The song also serves as a cultural manifesto, calling upon a diverse array of people—physicists, mystics, barbarians, pacifists, indigenous people, and 'caras-pálidas' (a term referring to white people)—to unite in the republic of music. This inclusivity reflects Gil's broader artistic vision, which often blends various musical styles and cultural influences. The reference to 'Elvis' as a 'great warrior and martyr of the rock'n'roll nation' highlights the cross-cultural connections in music, acknowledging the impact of global musical icons while also celebrating the unique contributions of Afro-Brazilian culture.

Furthermore, the song touches on themes of liberation and return to roots. The lines 'Nade de volta à mãe áfrica' (Swim back to Mother Africa) and 'Soltá-la, libertá-la' (Release it, free it) suggest a reconnection with African heritage and a liberation of the self through dance. This is a powerful reminder of the African roots of many musical genres, including funk and samba, and a call to honor and celebrate this heritage. By blending these themes with an infectious rhythm, Gilberto Gil creates a song that is both a call to dance and a deeper reflection on cultural identity and unity.