Sofi Tukker’s “Drinkee” gained immense popularity as soon as it was released in 2015. The song, built around a catchy Brazilian Portuguese chant, topped charts, became a hit in clubs and parties around the world, and even earned a Grammy nomination. But beyond its infectious beat and addictive chorus, “Drinkee” has a deeper meaning that speaks to the power of language, the value of cultural exchange, and the importance of staying true to oneself. In this article, we’ll delve into the meanings behind the song and why it resonates with so many people.

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The origins of “Drinkee”

Sofi Tukker, the musical duo behind “Drinkee,” consists of Sophie Hawley-Weld (Sofi) and Tucker Halpern (Tukker). Both musicians met while studying at Brown University and made their debut in 2016 with the single “Drinkee.”

The origins of “Drinkee” can be traced back to a poem that Sophie found in a Brazilian literature class. The poem, “Relógio” (“Clock”), by Brazilian poet Chacal, inspired the main chant of the song: “Eu quero você, o seu amor, eu quero você, amor” (“I want you, your love, I want you, love”). The chant is accompanied by a playful and vibrant melody that combines guitar riffs, electronic beats, and whimsical sound effects.

The meanings behind “Drinkee”

While “Drinkee” may seem like a light-hearted party anthem, its lyrics and themes carry significant messages. Here are some of the meanings behind the song:

Celebration of language and culture

One of the most distinctive features of “Drinkee” is its use of Brazilian Portuguese. The majority of the lyrics, including the chorus, are in Portuguese, and the song incorporates elements of Brazilian music and culture, such as the berimbau, a percussion instrument commonly used in capoeira.

Through their use of Portuguese, Sofi Tukker celebrate the beauty and richness of the language, as well as the cultural diversity that it represents. By incorporating Brazilian music into their song, they also pay tribute to the country’s musical traditions and their own appreciation for them.

In several interviews, Sophie and Tucker have spoken about their admiration for Brazil, both as a country and as a source of artistic inspiration. For them, “Drinkee” is a way of expressing their love for Brazilian culture and sharing it with a wider audience.

Affirmation of personal identity

Another key theme of “Drinkee” is the affirmation of personal identity and individuality. The song’s refrain, “I want you, your love, I want you, love,” can be interpreted as an expression of desire for both romantic connection and authenticity.

In an interview with Billboard, Sophie explained that the song’s lyrics reflect her and Tucker’s approach to life and art: “The song is about being yourself and celebrating yourself, but also inviting other people to be themselves and celebrating them.” By encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and connect with others on that basis, Sofi Tukker promote a message of inclusivity and self-expression.

Resistance to conformity and sameness

“Drinkee” can also be seen as a resistance to conformity and sameness. The song’s title, “Drinkee,” is a made-up word that Sophie and Tucker created by combining the Portuguese words “bebida” (drink) and “bebê” (baby). The word serves as a call to individuality and spontaneity, as Sophie explained to Interview magazine in 2017: “It’s a reminder to not be too serious and take everything too literally, to just be free and let loose.”

Moreover, the song’s upbeat and unconventional sound challenges the constraints of traditional pop and dance music. “Drinkee” was a departure from the norm when it was released, and its success signaled a desire for more eclectic and experimental music that breaks from genre conventions.

Frequently Asked Questions about “Drinkee”

1. What does “Drinkee” mean in Portuguese?

“Drinkee” doesn’t have a literal meaning in Portuguese, as it’s a made-up word. However, the word combines elements of the Portuguese words “bebida” (drink) and “bebê” (baby).

2. What is the chant in “Drinkee”?

The main chant in “Drinkee” is “Eu quero você, o seu amor, eu quero você, amor,” which means “I want you, your love, I want you, love” in Portuguese.

3. What is the berimbau in “Drinkee”?

The berimbau is a Brazilian percussion instrument that originated in the Afro-Brazilian capoeira martial arts tradition. In “Drinkee,” Sofi Tukker incorporate the berimbau’s distinctive twangy sound into the song’s melody.

4. What language is “Drinkee” in?

“Drinkee” is mostly in Brazilian Portuguese, although the song also includes some English lyrics.

5. What was the inspiration for “Drinkee”?

“Drinkee” was inspired by a poem called “Relógio” (“Clock”) by Brazilian poet Chacal, which Sophie Hawley-Weld discovered in a Brazilian literature class.

6. What genre is “Drinkee”?

“Drinkee” combines elements of dance, pop, and Brazilian music, and has been described as “worldbeat.”

7. What instruments are used in “Drinkee”?

“Drinkee” features guitar riffs, electronic beats, whimsical sound effects, and the berimbau, among other instruments.

8. What does “Drinkee” symbolize?

“Drinkee” symbolizes the celebration of language and culture, the affirmation of personal identity, and the resistance to conformity and sameness.

9. What awards has “Drinkee” won?

“Drinkee” was nominated for Best Dance Recording at the 2017 Grammy Awards. The song has also won awards in various countries, including Brazil, Mexico, and Spain.

10. What other songs has Sofi Tukker released?

Sofi Tukker has released several other songs, including “Best Friend,” “Batshit,” and “Fantasy.”

11. What is Sofi Tukker’s musical style?

Sofi Tukker’s musical style combines dance, pop, and world music, and is characterized by infectious beats, catchy melodies, and playful lyrics.

12. What are Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern’s backgrounds?

Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern both studied at Brown University before forming Sofi Tukker. Sophie has a background in environmental studies and performs lead vocals and guitar in the duo, while Tucker, who was a basketball player at Brown, produces the music and provides backing vocals.