Life of a Phrase (part 2) - Belchior

Source: Fabio Dutra, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Belchior (1946-2017) was one of the biggest names in MPB, with several hit songs and records in the 1970s. Although he received less attention in the intervening years, he has enjoyed renewed popularity since about 2010. As the Brazilian lyrics and music analysis site Letras says, “Currently, one of Belchior’s greatest hits is a song that didn’t get as much attention at the time it was released: Sujeito da Sorte, which with its powerful verse last year I died, but this year I’m not dying has become a youth anthem.” Released in 1976 on his second album “Alucinação” (“Hallucination”), the song clearly reflects Belchior’s awareness of being a young artist during a dictatorship and the importance of not giving up hope. Listen to the original 1970s version and then listen to a much different 1988 version.

Sujeito da Sorte (“Lucky Guy”)
Right now I can consider myself a lucky guy
Because although very young, I feel safe and sound and strong
And I’ve thought to myself God is Brazilian and walks next to me
And so I can no longer suffer last year
I’ve bled too much, I’ve cried a ton
Last year I died but this year I’m not dying