Apesar de Você is a Brazilian song written and originally performed by Chico Buarque in 1970. It was released as a single in 1970 and later included as the last track on his 1978 album Chico Buarque. The tune blends MPB and samba. Its lyrics, disguised as a quarrel between lovers, critique the Brazilian military dictatorship; Chico has said the "you" refers to a domineering authority rather than a partner. It was initially banned from radio by the Medici regime and copies were destroyed, though the master tape survived and the song was finally released eight years later during Geisel’s presidency. Clara Nunes recorded a version in 1971, thinking it was about a relationship, and was briefly pressed into performing at the Army Olympics to address the misunderstanding. The song became a symbol of democratic resistance in Brazil and has been covered by artists such as Maria Bethânia and Beth Carvalho.
