Tô Voltando

Almir Guineto's song "Tô Voltando" is a poignant reflection on the changes and challenges faced by his community in the favela. The lyrics express a deep sense of sorrow and responsibility as the artist returns to find his beloved neighborhood in disarray. The opening lines reveal his tears upon learning that his people are suffering, paying tolls, and crying out for help, indicating a loss of joy and protection in the community. This sets the tone for a narrative of regret and a longing to restore what was once a place of peace and happiness.

The song delves into themes of guilt and betrayal, as Guineto admits to making mistakes and feeling profound disappointment. He speaks of leaving someone he thought was a brother in charge, only to find that this person has failed the community. This betrayal has led to a sense of personal culpability for the current state of affairs. The artist's emotional turmoil is evident as he describes the deep revolt in his heart, highlighting the internal conflict and the weight of responsibility he feels for the community's plight.

In the latter part of the song, Guineto expresses a desire to take action and rectify the situation. He mentions providing cachaça, cigars, and a garrote to help him escape and settle scores with the person who let the community down. This imagery suggests a readiness to confront and address the wrongs done to his people. The repeated mention of the favela, now changed and no longer the same, underscores the theme of loss and the yearning for the past. "Tô Voltando" is a powerful narrative of love, regret, and the hope for redemption within a community that has lost its way.