Troca

Azula's song 'Troca' delves deep into the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities, particularly focusing on the violence and systemic oppression that shape their lives. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of growing up with violence at the doorstep, forcing children to leave school and negotiate their bodies for survival. The repeated phrase 'Troca de corpo, troca de troca' (Body swap, swap of swap) underscores the constant and often involuntary changes these individuals must endure, highlighting the lack of control they have over their own lives.

The song also touches on the tragic consequences of this violence, with references to blood-stained dresses and interrupted dreams. The imagery of a child leaving home to buy a ball, only to be met with violence, and the mention of 'pretinhas' (little black girls) carrying sweets in their bags, juxtaposes innocence with the brutal reality they face. The line 'Os fogos nos avisam, haverá uma troca' (The fireworks warn us, there will be a swap) suggests a foreboding sense of inevitable violence, further emphasized by the presence of 'porcos' (pigs), a derogatory term for police, who disrupt even the sanctity of school hours.

Azula's poignant lyrics also address the commodification of bodies, particularly those of trans individuals, and the false equivalence of trading a life for money. The repetition of 'Troca de corpo, troca de troca' serves as a haunting reminder of the continuous cycle of exploitation and violence. The song ends on a somber note with the mention of a 'criança morta' (dead child), encapsulating the devastating impact of this environment on the youngest and most vulnerable members of the community.

'Troca' is a powerful commentary on the systemic issues that perpetuate violence and inequality, urging listeners to reflect on the societal structures that allow such injustices to persist.