Samba-Enredo 1982 - É Hoje

The song "Samba-Enredo 1982 - É Hoje" by G.R.E.S União da Ilha do Governador (RJ) is a vibrant celebration of the spirit of Brazilian Carnival. The lyrics convey the excitement and joy that come with participating in what is often referred to as 'the greatest show on Earth' - the Carnival parade. The song captures the essence of the samba-enredo, a genre of samba played during the parades of the Brazilian Carnival, and is typically composed to be the theme song of a samba school for the year's competition.

The opening lines describe the joy of the singer as crossing the sea and anchoring on the runway, which is a metaphor for the arrival of the Carnival season and its ability to captivate and enchant everyone who witnesses it. The rhetorical questions posed - whether the singer will be the owner of the party, a king among modest people - reflect the democratic nature of Carnival, where everyone can feel like royalty and the usual social hierarchies are temporarily dissolved. The mention of descending the hill full of euphoria to parade suggests the anticipation and excitement of the samba school members as they prepare to showcase their performance.

The song also touches on themes of protection and faith, as the singer takes their samba to be blessed by a mãe de santo (a priestess in Afro-Brazilian religions) and carries a patuá (an amulet) to ward off evil eyes. This reflects the syncretism of Brazilian culture, where African religious practices are integrated with other beliefs. The repeated assertion of being the bravest in the struggle between the rock and the sea, and the proclamation that today is a day of joy where sadness is not allowed, encapsulates the resilience and celebratory nature of the Brazilian people. The mirror is asked to confirm if anyone could be happier, emphasizing the personal and collective fulfillment found in the Carnival experience.