Brazil 20th Century in the Lyrics of Popular Music

Introduction

Brazil is a country with a rich and vibrant musical history. From the samba of the early 20th century to the bossa nova of the 1950s and the tropicalia of the 1960s, Brazilian music has always reflected the country's social and political landscape.

In this book, Luciana Salles Worms and Wellington Borges Costa explore the history of Brazil in the 20th century through the lyrics of popular music. They examine how music has been used to express the hopes, dreams, and fears of the Brazilian people, and how it has played a role in shaping the country's identity.

The Early 20th Century: Samba and the Birth of a Nation

The early 20th century was a time of great change for Brazil. The country was rapidly modernizing, and new forms of music were emerging to reflect the changing times. Samba, a genre that originated in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, quickly became the most popular music in Brazil.

Samba lyrics often told stories of everyday life in the favelas, and they expressed the hopes and dreams of the Brazilian people. They also reflected the country's growing sense of nationalism, and they helped to create a sense of unity among Brazilians.

The 1930s and 1940s: Bossa Nova and the Rise of Modernism

The 1930s and 1940s were a time of great political and social upheaval in Brazil. The country was ruled by a military dictatorship, and there was widespread poverty and inequality. In this context, a new form of music emerged: bossa nova.

Bossa nova was a fusion of samba and jazz, and it was characterized by its sophisticated melodies and lyrics. Bossa nova lyrics often dealt with themes of love, loss, and longing, and they reflected the growing sense of alienation and disillusionment among Brazilians.

The 1950s and 1960s: Tropicalia and the Counterculture

The 1950s and 1960s were a time of great cultural and political ferment in Brazil. The country was experiencing a period of rapid economic growth, and there was a growing sense of optimism and possibility. In this context, a new musical movement emerged: tropicalia.

Tropicalia was a fusion of Brazilian music with rock, pop, and psychedelic music. Tropicalia lyrics were often experimental and surreal, and they reflected the countercultural values of the time. Tropicalia helped to break down the barriers between high and low culture, and it played a major role in shaping the cultural identity of Brazil.

The 1970s and 1980s: MPB and the Struggle for Democracy

The 1970s and 1980s were a time of great political repression in Brazil. The country was ruled by a military dictatorship, and there was widespread censorship of the arts. In this context, a new form of music emerged: MPB (Música Popular Brasileira).

MPB was a fusion of traditional Brazilian music with rock, pop, and folk music. MPB lyrics often dealt with themes of social justice, human rights, and democracy. MPB played a major role in the struggle for democracy in Brazil, and it helped to give voice to the voiceless.

The 1990s and Beyond: Brazilian Music in the Global Age

The 1990s and beyond have been a time of great change for Brazil. The country has transitioned to democracy, and there has been a growing sense of optimism and possibility. In this context, Brazilian music has continued to evolve and thrive.

Brazilian music has become increasingly popular around the world, and it has been embraced by a wide range of audiences. Brazilian music has also been used to promote social change, and it has played a major role in the fight against poverty and inequality.

Conclusion

Brazil is a country with a rich and vibrant musical history. Popular music has always reflected the country's social and political landscape, and it has played a major role in shaping the country's identity.

This book is a journey through the history of Brazil in the 20th century, as told through the lyrics of popular music. It is a story of hope, dreams, and fears, and it is a story of a country that is constantly changing and evolving.