Abre Alas

The song 'Abre Alas' by Ivan Lins, released during the military dictatorship in Brazil, is a piece rich in symbolism and resistance. The military dictatorship, which lasted from 1964 to 1985, was marked by severe censorship, political repression, and the suppression of individual freedoms. In this context, Lins’ song becomes a subtle yet powerful voice for those who longed for freedom. The repeated line 'Abre alas pra minha folia' suggests a deep yearning for liberation and self-expression in a time when joy and creativity were stifled by an oppressive regime.

The word 'folia', traditionally linked to Carnaval—a celebration of freedom and joy—, represents, in this context, the spirit of resistance and the desire to reclaim the suppressed right to celebrate life. The song, through its poetic imagery, captures a collective longing to break free from the suffocating constraints of authoritarian control.

The lyrics also reflect on the passage of time and life's harsh demands, as seen in the line 'Apare teus sonhos que a vida tem dono, ela vem te cobrar'. This can be interpreted as a critique of how the military regime dictated people's lives, suppressing their dreams and ambitions. It conveys a sense of loss and frustration, underscoring how genuine happiness had been replaced by a hollow contentment driven by fear and repression.

Another key element is the mention of a 'lowered flag' and 'stored revelry', symbolizing silent resistance and the hope for eventual freedom. These images evoke a society forced to hide its true desires and joy, yet unwilling to give up its spirit entirely. The song thus stands not only as a lament for what was lost but also as a call for continued resistance and a belief in the arrival of better days. The recurring line 'já está chegando a hora' reinforces the idea that change was approaching, and that the fight for freedom and expression must not be abandoned.