Discovering the history of Brazil through its music

The military dictatorship in Brazil, which lasted from 1964 to 1985, was a time of massive protests which intensely involved Brazilian society. All sorts of artists and intellectuals engaged in the fight for democratic rights, which unleashed a rich phase of artistic production.

Discover some of the main protest songs from that time:

Para não dizer que não falei das Flores (So that it can't be said I didn't speak of flowers) by Geraldo Vandré

This song urges people to get on the streets, telling them "if you don't do it, nothing will change".

Apesar de você (In spite of you) by Chico Buarque 

In spite of the government, Chico Buarque believed tomorrow would be a new day - "today you give orders but tomorrow you'll pay double for every tear you have caused"

Cálice by Chico Buarque 

This song's lyrics are beautifully written. Cálice (which means chalice) sounds the same as Cale-se (which means shut up). Buarque was referring to the way people in Brazil were silenced under military rule. "Take away from me this cálice of red wine of blood"

Alegria, alegria (Happiness, happiness) by Caetano Veloso

This song criticises abuse of power, violence and the way the regime alienated its citizens by taking control of every aspect of educational and cultural life.

These songs were all composed by artists who were exiled for their opposition to the dictatorship. But despite being thousands of miles away, these singers played a huge part in eventually bringing about the end of the junta. Their songs gave a voice to people's feelings and the people never forgot them as a result.