É preciso dar um jeito, meu amigo (song)

"É Preciso Dar um Jeito, Meu Amigo"
Song by Roberto Carlos and Erasmo Carlos
from the album Carlos, Erasmo
Released	1971 (1971)
Genre	Bossa nova rock

É Preciso Dar um Jeito, Meu Amigo is a song composed by Brazilian musicians Roberto Carlos and Erasmo Carlos, released in 1971 as part of the album Carlos, Erasmo. The song addresses the need for a response to the crimes committed during the Brazilian military dictatorship, including the disappearance of deputy Rubens Paiva, whose story is portrayed in the film Ainda Estou Aqui.

Origin

Erasmo Carlos with Roberto Carlos in 1972

Roberto Carlos revealed that the inspiration for the composition came from conversations with Erasmo about the country's political situation at the time. During one of these discussions, the phrase "é preciso dar um jeito" ("it's necessary to find a way") emerged, which became the central theme of the song.

The partnership between Roberto and Erasmo Carlos, which began during the Jovem Guarda movement, resulted in numerous compositions that left a mark on Brazilian music. É Preciso Dar um Jeito, Meu Amigo stands out as an example of how the duo addressed social and political themes in their works.

2024: Resurgence and inclusion in “I’m still here”

In 2024, the song gained renewed attention after being featured in the soundtrack of Ainda Estou Aqui, directed by Walter Salles. The film narrates the struggle of Eunice Paiva during the Brazilian dictatorship and stars Fernanda Torres and Selton Mello. Its inclusion in the film led to a significant increase in the song's popularity, propelling it to the top of streaming charts in Brazil.

The film Ainda Estou Aqui was a critical and commercial success, earning nominations in three categories at the Oscars and surpassing R$120 million in global box office revenue. The film's success contributed to the rediscovery of É Preciso Dar um Jeito, Meu Amigo, highlighting the song's relevance in Brazil's historical and cultural context.

Fernanda Torres, who portrayed Eunice Paiva in the film, was nominated for the Best Actress Oscar for her performance. The actress emphasized the importance of the song in the film's narrative, noting how it captured the essence of resistance during the dictatorship.

The inclusion of the song in the Ainda Estou Aqui soundtrack not only reintroduced the work to new generations but also highlighted the collaboration between Roberto and Erasmo Carlos, underscoring the lasting impact of their compositions on Brazilian music.

Two years after Erasmo Carlos's death on November 22, 2022, the song re-entered the charts, reaching the third position on Spotify's "50 that went viral - Brazil" list and the second spot on Shazam. This resurgence demonstrates the song's timelessness and its ongoing relevance in Brazilian culture.

The rediscovery of the song in the current context reinforces the importance of revisiting artistic works that engage with historical moments, promoting reflections on the country's past and present.