Vento Que Balança Cana No Canavial

The song 'Vento Que Balança Cana No Canavial' by Associação Capoeira Lagoa Azul is a poignant reflection on the harsh realities of slavery in Brazil. The recurring imagery of the wind swaying the sugarcane in the fields serves as a powerful metaphor for the pervasive and unrelenting nature of the injustices faced by enslaved individuals. The wind, an unstoppable force of nature, mirrors the relentless suffering and the omnipresent oppression experienced by the slaves working in the canavial (sugarcane fields).

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the stark contrasts between the lives of the enslaved and their oppressors. The 'casa grande' (big house) where the 'coronel' (colonel) rests in a hammock symbolizes the comfort and leisure of the slave owners, while the slaves toil under the scorching sun, suffering from hunger and thirst. This juxtaposition highlights the deep social and economic divide that characterized the plantation system.

Further, the song delves into the daily lives and struggles of the enslaved people. The mention of the 'sinha moça' (young lady) confessing in the chapel, adorned in lace, contrasts sharply with the image of the 'mucamba' (slave woman) in the kitchen, lamenting her inability to change her fate. The narrative of the 'capataz' (overseer) in despair over a family's escape from captivity underscores the constant tension and the desperate yearning for freedom among the enslaved. Through its evocative lyrics, the song not only recounts historical injustices but also serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of slavery on Brazilian society.