Geni e o Zepelim (English: Jenny and the Zeppelin) is a Brazilian MPB song, composed and recorded by Chico Buarque for his 1978 album "Ópera do Malandro", something to the effect of "Street Smart Opera", or "Smooth Hustler Opera", though Malandro is a culture-specific icon, the soundtrack to the eponymous musical play, in which the song's plot is set; it is also part of its soundtrack. A film adaptation was released in 1986.
| "Geni e o Zepelim" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Chico Buarque | |
| from the album Ópera do Malandro | |
| Language | Brazilian Portuguese |
| Released | 1978 |
| Recorded | 1978 |
| Genre | MPB |
| Length | 6:24 |
| Songwriter(s) | Chico Buarque |
The song has become relevant enough that the refrain "joga pedra na Geni [casta a stone at Jenny!,figuratively, casting aspersions upon someone or /Throw a stone at Jenny!/, literally meaning to physically harm a woman who helps the poor and the oppressed through her warmth and willingness to share her body]" has been referenced in situations where people are victims of moral persecution.[1]
Inspiration
editSome sources suggest Geni could have been inspired by the homonymous character from Nelson Rodrigues's 1965 play Toda Nudez Será Castigada.[2][3]
Meaning
editVarious sources believe the song to be critical of colonialism, imperialism and capitalism, and that Geni is a personification of the oppressed groups and peoples.[4]
João Marcos Mateus Kogawa, of Revista Urutágua wrote about "Geni e o Zepelim":
Geni symbolizes silence, submission and non-voice, in the context of a system which prevents her from talking. Nevertheless, her other subject talks through the voice of the author, who portrays her as a martyr or heroine, who attacks her inquisitors' values.[5]
Cover versions
editSeveral artists have covered the song:
- Célia Rabelo
- Cida Moreira
- Elba Ramalho
- Letícia Sabatella
- Maria Eugênia
References
edit- ^ Oliveira, Mário Oscar Chaves (30 March 2011). "Joga Pedra na Geni". Migalhas. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
- ^ "Toda Nudez Será Castigada". Crítica em Cena. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
- ^ Santos, Fernanda Marques (1 June 2007). "O Lar e As Ruas: A Dicotomia das Personagens Femininas na Dramaturgia de Nelson Rodrigues" (PDF). Centro Universitário Feevale. Retrieved 30 November 2011.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Wiel, Franciscus Willem Antonius Maria Van de. "Trabalho e Malandragem como Repressão e Transgressão nas Canções da Ópera do Malandro de Chico Buarque" (PDF). PUC-SP. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2011.
- ^ Kogawa, João Marcos Mateus (2006-01-01). "Geni no Entremeio de Uma Arena de Vozes". Revista Urutágua. Retrieved 30 November 2011.