Urubu Malandro

Ademilde Fonseca's song "Urubu Malandro" is a playful and satirical piece that uses the character of a vulture, or 'urubu' in Portuguese, to explore themes of pride, pretense, and humility. The vulture in the song is depicted as a boastful figure who arrives at a dance with great fanfare, dressed in formal attire, including a tailcoat, top hat, and striped pants. This attire symbolizes his inflated sense of self-importance and his desire to impress others with his appearance and status.

Despite his grand entrance and the expectation that he will dance, the vulture repeatedly refuses to do so, claiming, "Eu sou doutor!" which translates to "I am a doctor!" This phrase is a metaphor for his arrogance and his belief that he is above participating in the dance, which represents the communal and joyful aspects of life. His refusal to dance, despite taking a partner, highlights his disconnect from the community and his inability to engage in the simple pleasures that others enjoy.

As the song progresses, the vulture's reputation begins to crumble. His refusal to dance and his pretentious behavior lead to his downfall, as he loses his status and becomes a figure of ridicule. The repeated chorus, "Ora dança, urubu! Eu não senhor! Tira a dama urubu! Eu sou doutor!" serves as a reminder of his stubbornness and the consequences of his pride. In the end, the vulture's attempt to dance results in embarrassment, further emphasizing the theme that true worth is not found in appearances or titles, but in one's actions and ability to connect with others.

"Urubu Malandro" is a clever critique of social pretensions and a celebration of humility and authenticity. Ademilde Fonseca, known as the Queen of Choro, brings this message to life with her lively and expressive vocal style, making the song both entertaining and thought-provoking.