Vejam Bem by Red Oak Troubadours

An artist that inspired and introduced us to traditional Portuguese music was José Afonso. Vejam Bem was one of his songs that have inspired us the most, ultimately. The song emerged during the latter days of the Estado Novo dictatorship. It reflects Afonso's growing commitment to social commentary and resistance. It remains one of Afonso’s most powerful works due to its poetic craftsmanship and unflinching social critique.

With this song he asserts that critical thinking is the first spark of transformation—even before action. Emerging in 1968, it employs rich imagery and folk sensibility to confront the harsh realities of oppression.

And we think it couldn't be a more relevant song for the times we live in now as well...

Tracklist

1.	Vejam Bem	4:29

Lyrics

Vejam bem
Que não há só gaivotas em terra
Quando um homem se põe a pensar
Quando um homem se põe a pensar

Quem lá vem
Dorme à noite ao relento na areia
Dorme à noite ao relento no mar
Dorme à noite ao relento no mar

E se houver
Uma praça de gente madura
E uma estátua
E uma estátua de febre a arder

Vejam bem
Daquele homem a fraca figura
Desbravando os caminhos do pão
Desbravando os caminhos do pão

E se houver
Uma praça de gente madura
Ninguém vem levantá-lo do chão
Ninguém vem levantá-lo do chão

Vejam Bem
Vejam Bem
Quando um homem se põe a pensar

Oooh he he he - a o
Oooh he he he - a o aaa
Oooh he he he - a o
Oooh he he he - a o aaa

Vejam bem
Que não há só gaivotas em terra
Quando um homem
Quando um homem se põe a pensar

Vejam Bem

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English translation:

Look Closely
Look closely,
For it’s not only seagulls on land
When a man begins to think,
When a man begins to think.

Who is that,
Sleeping out in the open on the sand,
Sleeping out in the open on the sea,
Sleeping out in the open on the sea?

And if there is
A square full of grown people,
And a statue,
And a statue burning with fever—

Look closely
At that man’s frail figure,
Clearing the paths towards bread,
Clearing the paths towards bread.

And if there is
A square full of grown people,
No one comes to lift him from the ground,
No one comes to lift him from the ground.

Look closely,
Look closely,
When a man begins to think.

Oooh he he he – a o
Oooh he he he – a o aaa
Oooh he he he – a o
Oooh he he he – a o aaa

Look closely,
For it’s not only seagulls on land
When a man,
When a man begins to think.

Look closely.

Credits

released September 10, 2025
Special feature: Isabel Martinez (percussion, adufe, backing vocals, bagpipe)

Produced and mixed by Miguel Martins

Mastered by João Bessa

Drums by Gonçalo Salta

License