O Pato

Gilberto Gil's song 'O Pato' is a delightful and whimsical piece that brings to life a charming story of animals coming together to create music. The song begins with a duck ('pato') singing joyfully by the lake, its quacks ('Quém! Quém! Quém!') setting a cheerful tone. Soon, a smiling drake ('marreco') joins in, asking to be part of the samba. This sets the stage for a growing ensemble of animals, each adding their unique voice to the mix.

As the song progresses, a goose ('ganso') is enchanted by the duo and decides to join, inviting a swan ('cisne') to complete the quartet. The animals' collaboration is depicted as harmonious and fun, with the goose encouraging the swan by saying, 'Vem! Vem!' ('Come! Come!'). The quartet practices by the lake, preparing to perform 'Tico-Tico no Fubá,' a famous Brazilian choro song, adding a layer of cultural richness to the narrative.

The lyrics are filled with playful imagery and sounds, capturing the essence of a joyful, spontaneous musical gathering. The duck's voice is described as a 'desacato' (an outrage), highlighting its unique and perhaps comical contribution to the ensemble. The song concludes with the animals falling into the water while rehearsing, a humorous and light-hearted ending that underscores the fun and camaraderie of their musical adventure. Gilberto Gil's rendition of 'O Pato' is a celebration of creativity, community, and the simple joys of making music together.