Songs are embraced and sang in the street, along with a passing car, or in the numerous karaokê bars that pepper the city. It is not rare to witness a small crowd suddenly singing or dancing to a popular song just for the pleasure of it, at a bar, on the beach, or at a fair.

Similarly to what Rio's beaches do, music in Rio de Janeiro often bridges the gap between ages and classes - during carnival, Samba is a clear social equalizer, and throughout the year often the young and the elderly sing and dance to the rhythms of the same songs, in the same places.

Cariocas love music and love their city - as a result, many of the lyrics of numerous pop songs, Samba, and Bossa Nova compositions are about Rio de Janeiro, or their love for the Marvelous City. Portrayed in many loving ways, Rio de Janeiro has been, and continues to be, the most celebrated Carioca muse.