Hey Rio & Learn gang! How’s it going? Today’s Dica do Dia is a musical journey through Brazil’s cultural and political history, all through the eyes and voice of Chico Buarque, one of the most iconic and influential Brazilian artists ever.
If you’ve never heard of him, don’t worry, we’ll introduce you to Chico Buarque from scratch, and we promise: by the end, you’ll want to add him to your playlist!
Meet Chico Buarque de Hollanda
Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1944, Francisco Buarque de Hollanda (affectionately known as Chico Buarque) is more than just a musician. He’s part of the city’s soul, like an ice-cold Matte on the beach or someone shouting “olha o sorvete!” at Ipanema‘s Posto 9.
Raised in a home full of books, ideas and samba, thanks to his father, the famous historian Sérgio Buarque de Hollanda, Chico soaked up the rhythm of the city and turned it into lyrics, literature, and a little bit of magic.
His musical journey began in the swingin’ 60s, a golden age for Brazilian music. In 1966, he released his first album and gave the world the unforgettable A Banda. The song swept through Brazil like a bloco on Carnival, winning the Festival da Música Popular Brasileira and catapulting him to instant stardom. From that moment on, Brazil had a new poet with a guitar.

Chico Buarque and the Fight Against the Dictatorship
Chico’s songs weren’t limited to romance or samba. During Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964–1985), his music became a powerful tool of resistance. Closely monitored by the regime, Chico went into self-exile in Italy in 1969, returning the following year even more determined to speak out through art.
To survive censorship, Chico got creative. He packed his lyrics with metaphors, irony, and double meanings. He even released songs under a fake name, Julinho da Adelaide, to bypass the regime’s radar. His music became a coded message to millions who were yearning for freedom.
Songs like “Cálice,” co-written with Gilberto Gil, turned religious imagery into veiled protest. “Apesar de Você” was banned almost immediately for its bold optimism, while “Construção” delivered a poetic critique of how the regime dehumanized workers—its hypnotic rhythm and changing verses still resonate today.
These songs are still among his most powerful and remembered protest anthems.
Chico Buarque and the Tropicália Movement
Before we move on, let’s take a peek into something wild and revolutionary: the Tropicália movement, also known as Tropicalism. It was Brazil’s creative rebellion of the late 1960s, where electric guitars met samba, psychedelia met poetry, and everything screamed resistance. Chico Buarque wasn’t the face of the movement, but his music echoed many of its values: daring, poetic, and ready to shake the system.
Curious to know more about Tropicália? We’ve got a full Dica on Topicalism!
Protest Lyrics That Echoed Through Brazil
Time to dig into the lyrics, the kind that made censors sweat and listeners cheer. Here’s how Chico slipped truth into poetry:
“Pai, afasta de mim esse cálice / de vinho tinto de sangue”
“Father, take this chalice away from me / of red wine made of blood”
In Cálice, Chico and Milton Nascimento turn a biblical metaphor into a chilling protest. While “chalice” echoes religious suffering, it also phonetically hides the plea “cale-se” (shut up), a sharp jab at the dictatorship’s censorship.
“Apesar de você / amanhã há de ser outro dia”
“In spite of you / tomorrow will be another day”
This seemingly upbeat samba became a resistance hymn. “You” is the regime, and tomorrow holds the promise of a more liberated future. The song was so clearly critical that it was pulled from circulation, but not before becoming a quiet anthem of hope for a generation.
“Morreu na contramão atrapalhando o tráfego”
“He died against traffic, holding it up”
From Construção, this brutal line repeats with slight changes each verse. It tells the story of a construction worker’s anonymous death, exposing how lives were devalued under the regime. A poetic punch that still echoes today.
These verses went far beyond music charts, becoming part of the fight for democracy and freedom in Brazil.
Partnerships and Influence
Chico was a major figure in MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), often collaborating with other greats like Tom Jobim, Elis Regina, Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia.
He also supported the Diretas Já movement in the 1980s, a campaign that demanded direct presidential elections in Brazil. For many Brazilians, Chico Buarque is more than an artist. He’s a symbol of resistance, freedom and cultural pride.
Popular Songs by Chico Buarque
Top 5 Chico Buarque Songs You Need to Hear, and if you ever visit us at Rio & Learn, don’t be surprised if you hear one floating through the halls!
1. Construção — a masterpiece of rhythm and protest
2. A Banda — the joyful tune that launched him to fame
3. João e Maria (feat. Nara Leão) — a fairytale ballad full of saudade
4. Cálice (feat. Milton Nascimento) — a haunting cry against censorship
5. Apesar de Você — the unofficial anthem of resistance
These tracks aren’t just beautiful songs, they’re cultural milestones.
Literary Achievements and Feminist Themes
Besides music, Chico Buarque also had a brilliant career as a writer. He won the Jabuti Prize (the biggest literary award in Brazil) three times:
- Estorvo (1992)
- Budapeste (2004)
- Leite Derramado (2010)
In his writing and music, Chico often explores feminist themes, and he’s known for giving voice to women’s perspectives. Songs like Olé, Olá and Mulheres de Atenas sparked conversations about gender roles in Brazil.
Chico Buarque in TV and Documentaries
Want to explore more? You can get a deeper look into Chico’s world by watching:
- Chico: Artista Brasileiro, a Netflix documentary that explores his life, music, and political activism.
- Coisa Mais Linda (Girls from Ipanema), a Netflix series set in 1960s Rio. One of the characters, Chico Carvalho, was inspired by musicians like Chico Buarque, capturing the cultural movement of the time.
Perfect if you’re into period dramas with a soundtrack full of Bossa Nova and political undertones!
Fun Fact: Chico Buarque Meme
Yep, he’s also a meme. From serious to silly, Chico’s face pops up on Brazilian internet memes. Whether quoting his lyrics or joking about politics, the Chico Buarque meme lives on social media.
We made a personalized Chico Buarque meme just for you, perfect to share with friends and spread the fun!

Chico Buarque is a window into Brazil’s music, politics, literature, and soul. From unforgettable lyrics to ground-breaking novels and fearless activism, his legacy continues to inspire.
Have you ever listened to any of his songs? If not, today is a great day to start! 🎧

Click on the link below to see more related Dicas
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A native Brazilian Portuguese speaker with a degree in Languages (Portuguese and English) from UFRJ, she has over eight years of experience teaching languages, specializing in Portuguese for international students. Passionate about communication, she combines creativity and precision to make learning Portuguese engaging, enjoyable, and culturally immersive. Her global experience and strong connection with diverse cultures enable her to create dynamic, tailored lessons for learners worldwide.