Apesar de Você

The song 'Apesar de Você' by Quarteto em CY is a powerful anthem of resistance and hope against oppression. Written during Brazil's military dictatorship, the lyrics reflect the struggle and resilience of the people under an authoritarian regime. The song's title, which translates to 'In Spite of You,' sets the tone for a defiant message directed at the oppressors who impose darkness and sorrow upon the populace.

The lyrics begin by addressing the oppressor directly, highlighting their control and the resulting fear and silence among the people. The lines 'Hoje você é quem manda, falou, tá falado, não tem discussão, não' ('Today you are the one who commands, you spoke, it's spoken, there's no discussion') and 'A minha gente hoje anda falando de lado e olhando pro chão' ('My people today walk speaking sideways and looking at the ground') illustrate the climate of fear and repression. The song criticizes the creation of a state of darkness and sin without forgiveness, emphasizing the lack of compassion and humanity in the regime's actions.

Despite the grim reality, the chorus 'Apesar de você amanhã há de ser outro dia' ('In spite of you, tomorrow will be another day') serves as a beacon of hope. It envisions a future where joy and freedom prevail, and the oppressors are powerless to stop it. The imagery of 'água nova brotando e a gente se amando sem parar' ('new water sprouting and people loving each other endlessly') symbolizes renewal and the unstoppable force of life and love. The song promises that the oppressors will face the consequences of their actions, and the people will reclaim their joy and freedom.

The song's hopeful message is further reinforced by the repeated assertion that the oppressors will be unable to suppress the dawn of a new day filled with poetry and song. The lines 'Você vai se amargar vendo o dia raiar sem lhe pedir licença' ('You will be bitter seeing the day break without asking your permission') and 'Como vai abafar nosso coro a cantar na sua frente?' ('How will you silence our chorus singing in front of you?') underscore the inevitability of change and the resilience of the human spirit. 'Apesar de Você' is a timeless reminder of the power of hope and resistance in the face of tyranny.