Chico Buarque Quotes

Powerful Chico Buarque for Daily Growth

About Chico Buarque

Chico Buarque de Hollanda (born Adolpho Richard Buchholz on November 22, 1944), popularly known as Chico Buarque, is a renowned Brazilian musician, singer-songwriter, author, and politician. Born in São Paulo to a family of German descent, he grew up surrounded by music, thanks to his father's interest in jazz and classical music. Buarque began his musical career at an early age, performing on the radio at 12. However, it was during the Tropicália movement in the mid-1960s that he gained notoriety as a member of the influential band Tropicalia (Os Tropicais). This avant-garde movement aimed to fuse traditional Brazilian music with modern influences, challenging the political and social status quo. In 1967, Buarque released his debut solo album "Domingo", which showcased his unique songwriting skills and versatility as a musician. His subsequent works, such as "Construção" (1970) and "Carrossel" (1973), further solidified his status as one of Brazil's most important musicians. During the military dictatorship in Brazil, Buarque was politically active, and his music often carried subversive messages. He was arrested in 1968 for his political activism but continued to use his platform to express his views on social issues. In addition to his musical career, Buarque is also a prolific author, having written novels, plays, essays, and children's books. His novel "A História do Saci-Pererê" (The Story of the Saci-Pererê) is a classic in Brazilian literature. In later life, Buarque served as a federal deputy for the Socialism and Liberty Party from 1987 to 2015. Today, he continues to be an influential figure in Brazilian culture, known for his musical prowess, literary talent, and political activism. His works continue to inspire generations of artists and thinkers in Brazil and beyond.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"A vida é um sonho que vivemos por instalmentos." (Life is a dream we live in installments.)

This quote by Chico Buarque suggests that life is experienced incrementally, like paying for an ongoing dream in installments rather than taking it all at once. It implies that life should be cherished and enjoyed in small, manageable portions, acknowledging the transient nature of experiences and the importance of savoring each moment along the journey.


"Qualquer música é boa se o coração cantar junto com ela." (Any music is good if the heart sings along with it.)

This quote by Chico Buarque emphasizes the emotional connection between a person and music, suggesting that the true measure of good music lies not just in its technical merit but also in how deeply it resonates with the listener's heart. When a song stirs our emotions and compels us to sing along, we are experiencing its power to evoke feelings within us. This shared connection between music and the human heart is what makes music meaningful and worthwhile for Chico Buarque.


"Não dá para ter amor sem dizer adieu." (It's impossible to love without saying goodbye.)

This quote by Chico Buarque suggests that love, in its purest form, involves the acceptance of parting or 'saying goodbye', whether temporarily or permanently. It implies that true love acknowledges the transient nature of life and relationships, understanding that moments of separation can occur due to various circumstances. The notion of saying goodbye underscores the depth of emotions involved in loving someone, accepting that love requires resilience and adaptability.


"O primeiro amor é como a primavera: enche-se de promessas que, mais tarde, não se consegue cumprir." (The first love is like spring: it's filled with promises that can't be kept later on.)

This quote by Chico Buarque describes the innocence and idealism of first love, which is often characterized by a multitude of grand promises. However, as time passes, these lofty expectations may prove unrealistic or impractical to fulfill, much like how spring's blooming flowers and warm sunshine eventually give way to summer's heat and maturity. The quote captures the bittersweet essence of first love - while it is beautiful and full of hope, it ultimately teaches us about the impermanence and complexities of human relationships.


"Na vida, o que conta é não ter medo de ser um pouco louco." (In life, what counts is not to be afraid of being a little crazy.)

Chico Buarque's quote encourages the embrace of boldness and creativity in life. By urging us not to fear being "a little crazy," he highlights the importance of taking risks, pursuing dreams, and stepping outside our comfort zones. This mindset allows for personal growth and development, fostering a more vibrant and fulfilling existence.


I'm an amateur.

- Chico Buarque

Amateur

I'm not a professional. Yet somehow, I manage to get away with it.

- Chico Buarque

Away, Get, Somehow, Manage

Every time I drive into Rio from the airport, I see the city for the first time and think how strange it is.

- Chico Buarque

City, Think, I See, Rio

Whatever is original in my writing comes from my musical apprenticeship. I look for rhythm in words. I imagine words as if they were musical chords. Often I'll write something, read it, and find it musically unsatisfactory. There is a musical imperative in my choice of words.

- Chico Buarque

Find, Apprenticeship, Chords, Imperative

Music kind of kidnapped me for a while.

- Chico Buarque

Music, Me, Kind, Kidnapped

Some people thought I was using my popularity as a singer to sell my first novel. For others, it was almost a sacrilege: a practitioner of a minor art daring to enter the field of high art.

- Chico Buarque

Art, Some, Using, Enter

Had I not become entangled with music, I would have become an author much earlier.

- Chico Buarque

Music, Would, Earlier, Entangled

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