Acorda amor: a música e a censura na ditadura militar

Abstract

The Military Dictatorship in Brazil (1964-1985) was a period marked by repression, censorship, and authoritarianism, profoundly impacting Brazilian society. For over two decades, the dictatorship used censorship as a tool to control artistic, political, and cultural expressions, silencing dissenting voices. In this context, music emerged as a form of resistance, defying oppression through encoded messages that evaded censors. Artists such as Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and Geraldo Vandré created compositions that denounced abuses, recorded injustices, and inspired hope. Works like “Apesar de Você” (“In Spite of You”), “Pra Não Dizer Que Não Falei das Flores” (“Not to Say I Didn’t Speak of Flowers”), and “Acorda Amor” (“Wake Up, Love”) became iconic symbols of the fight for freedom. This paper explores the relationship between music and censorship, highlighting the impact of these compositions on resistance to the dictatorship and on raising societal awareness. It underscores the importance of historical memory and freedom of expression.