Oba, Lá Vem Ela
Jorge Ben Jor
The Enchanting Vision of Unrequited Admiration
The song "Oba, Lá Vem Ela" by Brazilian artist Jorge Ben Jor is a classic example of samba-rock, a genre that combines the traditional rhythms of samba with elements of rock, funk, and jazz. Jorge Ben Jor is known for his innovative style and has been a significant figure in Brazilian music since the 1960s. His songs often feature catchy melodies, a relaxed singing style, and playful lyrics.
The lyrics of "Oba, Lá Vem Ela" describe a scene of unrequited admiration. The narrator watches a woman pass by and is captivated by her presence, even though she does not notice him. The repeated phrase "Oba, lá vem ela" ("Oh, here she comes") and "Estou de olho nela" ("I'm keeping an eye on her") express the narrator's excitement and anticipation each time he sees her. Despite the lack of interaction or acknowledgment from the woman, the narrator finds joy simply in the act of observing her.
The song also touches on themes of beauty and idealization. The woman is described as more beautiful than a rose, and the narrator is content with the one-sided nature of his affection, finding happiness in her mere existence. The mention of her having a perfume like a flower whose name he doesn't know suggests an element of mystery and allure, reinforcing the idea that the woman is an unattainable, almost ethereal figure in the narrator's life.