Erasmo Carlos (born Erasmo Esteves 5 June 1941 – 22 November 2022) was a Br… Read Full Bio ↴Erasmo Carlos (born Erasmo Esteves 5 June 1941 – 22 November 2022) was a Brazilian singer and songwriter, most closely associated with his friend and longtime collaborator Roberto Carlos (no relation). Together, they have created many chart hits including "É Proibido Fumar".

A core member of the Jovem Guarda ("Young Guard") scene of 1960's Brazilian pop-rock, Erasmo often appeared on television, in magazines and feature films with fellow teen idols Roberto Carlos and Wanderléa.

In contrast to his simpler pop-rock early sound, Erasmo went on to produce several of the more moody and introspective MPB records of the 1970's, including "Sonhos e Memórias" and "Carlos, Erasmo".

Carlos died on 22 November 2022, at the age of 81.

Minha Fama De Mau
Erasmo Carlos Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Meu bem às vezes diz que deseja ir ao cinema
Eu olho e vejo bem que não há nenhum problema
Eu digo não, por favor, não insista e faça pista
Não quero torturar meu coração

Garota ir ao cinema é uma coisa normal
Mas é que eu tenho que manter a minha fama de mau

Meu bem chora, chora e diz que vai embora
Exige que eu lhe peça desculpas sem demora
Eu digo não, por favor, não insista e faça pista
Não quero torturar meu coração

Perdão a namorada é uma coisa normal
Mas é que eu tenho que manter a minha fama de mau

E digo não, não, não
Perdão a namorada é uma coisa normal

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Erasmo Carlos's song "Minha Fama de Mau," which translates to "My Bad Reputation," showcase the inner turmoil of the singer who struggles to maintain his tough-guy image. At the beginning of the song, the singer's girlfriend suggests going to the cinema, but he refuses, fearing that it will make him appear too soft. He is committed to his bad reputation, and he cannot risk compromising it.

As the song progresses, the girlfriend becomes upset and threatens to leave. She demands an apology, but the singer refuses, again citing his need to maintain his image. The chorus repeats the sentiment that "apologizing to a girlfriend is normal, but I have to maintain my bad reputation." It's clear that the singer is conflicted because he cares about his girlfriend and doesn't want to hurt her, but he feels trapped by the expectations of his reputation.

The song ultimately speaks to the pressure that people face to maintain certain perceptions of themselves, even if it goes against their true selves. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing image over genuine relationships.

Line by Line Meaning

Meu bem às vezes diz que deseja ir ao cinema
My love sometimes says she wants to go to the cinema

Eu olho e vejo bem que não há nenhum problema
I look and see that there is no problem

Eu digo não, por favor, não insista e faça pista
I say no, please don't insist and make a scene

Não quero torturar meu coração
I don't want to torture my heart

Garota ir ao cinema é uma coisa normal
Going to the cinema with a girl is a normal thing

Mas é que eu tenho que manter a minha fama de mau
But I have to maintain my bad boy image

Meu bem chora, chora e diz que vai embora
My love cries, cries and says she's going away

Exige que eu lhe peça desculpas sem demora
She demands that I apologize right away

E digo não, não, não
And I say no, no, no

Perdão a namorada é uma coisa normal
Apologizing to a girlfriend is a normal thing

Mas é que eu tenho que manter a minha fama de mau
But I have to maintain my bad boy image