Café

Jorge Ben Jor's song 'Café' is a delightful blend of romance and historical narrative, wrapped in the warm, inviting aroma of coffee. The lyrics open with a tender request for a cup of coffee, made with love and care. This simple act of making coffee becomes a metaphor for affection and intimacy, highlighting how everyday rituals can strengthen bonds between loved ones. The repeated plea for a 'cafezinho' with 'aroma e com carinho' (aroma and care) and 'açúcar e com beijinhos' (sugar and kisses) emphasizes the sweetness and warmth that coffee, and by extension, love, brings into our lives.

The song then transitions into a historical recount of coffee's journey to Brazil. Jorge Ben Jor narrates how a nobleman named Palheta introduced coffee culture to Brazil in 1727. This historical interlude serves to remind listeners of coffee's significant role in Brazilian culture and economy. The reference to the 'barões do café' (coffee barons) and their control over the coffee trade adds a layer of socio-economic commentary, hinting at the exploitation and power dynamics that have historically surrounded this beloved beverage.

In the latter part of the song, Ben Jor celebrates the origins of coffee, tracing it back to Ethiopia and Abyssinia. This acknowledgment of coffee's African roots pays homage to the plant's global journey and its cultural significance across continents. The repeated chant of 'Quem vai querer café?' (Who wants coffee?) invites listeners to partake in this rich tradition, blending personal affection with a broader historical and cultural appreciation. Through 'Café,' Jorge Ben Jor masterfully intertwines love, history, and cultural identity, creating a song that is as rich and complex as the beverage it celebrates.