Água de Beber

Água de Beber („Water to Drink“) is a famous bossa nova composition by the legendary Brazilian musician Antônio Carlos Jobim, with lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes. It was first recorded in 1963 and appeared on the classic album Getz/Gilberto (though the most famous vocal version is by Astrud Gilberto and Jobim himself).

The song has a gentle, flowing melody that perfectly captures the relaxed and sophisticated spirit of bossa nova. The lyrics use water as a metaphor for love — the singer says they need love like water to drink, to live, and to survive.

In the Gypsy Jazz / Manouche repertoire:
„Água de Beber“ has become a popular standard among manouche musicians in recent decades. Although it is originally a bossa nova piece, it adapts beautifully to gypsy jazz swing. Many modern gypsy jazz guitarists enjoy playing it because of its beautiful melody and interesting harmonic structure.

Musical character:
It is usually played at a medium tempo with a light swing feel. The chord progression is rich and typical of Jobim’s sophisticated style (with several ii-V movements and interesting modulations). It offers great space for melodic improvisation.

Interesting facts:

• One of Jobim’s most beloved compositions alongside „The Girl from Ipanema“, „Corcovado“ and „Desafinado“.
• The song was a big international hit in the 1960s during the bossa nova craze in the USA and Europe.
• In gypsy jazz it is often performed instrumentally with prominent guitar solos. Some musicians play it closer to swing, others keep a more bossa-inspired feel.
• It is an excellent tune for practicing smooth chord-melody playing and expressive improvisation.

„Água de Beber“ beautifully shows how Brazilian bossa nova and gypsy jazz can cross over — two different worlds that both love sophisticated harmony and elegant melodies.