Cгўlice (cale-se). Chico Buarque & Milton Nascimento. May 2026
The song was written at the height of Brazil's military dictatorship (1964–1985), specifically during the repressive years of General Emílio Médici. Due to its overt social criticism, it was immediately censored and remained banned for five years until its official release in 1978.
A religious plea echoing the Passion of Christ: "Pai, afasta de mim esse cálice" ("Father, take this cup from me"). CГЎlice (Cale-se). Chico Buarque & Milton Nascimento.
The power of the song lies in its phonetic wordplay. The title word ([ˈkalisi], meaning "chalice") is phonetically identical in Portuguese to "Cale-se" (meaning "shut up" or "be silent"). The song was written at the height of
A direct scream against censorship: "Pai, afasta de mim esse 'cale-se'" ("Father, take this 'shut up' from me"). Lyric Analysis & Symbolism afasta de mim esse cálice" ("Father