Pai E Mãe Lyrics in English Gilberto Gil , Preta Gil

Pai e Mãe feels like opening a family photo album that suddenly starts to sing. Gilberto Gil, joined by his daughter Preta, transforms personal memories into a soulful conversation about love, identity, and acceptance. The singer confesses that he spent “a long time learning to kiss other men the way I kiss my father,” showing how affection learned at home shapes the way he loves the world. At the same time, every woman he has loved, loves, or will love is forever measured against the tenderness of his mother. The lyrics sparkle with playful honesty yet carry a universal message: the love we receive from our parents becomes the blueprint for how we give and seek love ourselves.

When the narrator asks his mother to reassure his father after seeing him kiss “any other man,” he is really asking for understanding across generations. Each kiss shared with a friend is a search for Dad’s protective strength and Mom’s comforting warmth. In just a few verses, the song celebrates unconditional parental love, queer affection, and the freedom to be completely oneself — all wrapped in Gil’s signature blend of gentle melody and heartfelt poetry.