Corda no Pescoço

Beth Carvalho's song 'Corda no Pescoço' is a poignant reflection on the struggles and resilience of the common people in Brazil. The title itself, which translates to 'Rope Around the Neck,' is a powerful metaphor for the suffocating pressures and hardships faced by the working class. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a populace that is constantly under duress, barely scraping by, and often feeling the weight of economic and social inequalities.

The song's verses delve into the daily grind and the sense of entrapment experienced by the people. Phrases like 'Tá com a corda no pescoço' (They have a rope around their neck) and 'Deixa a carne, rói o osso' (Leave the meat, gnaw the bone) highlight the dire circumstances and the need to make do with very little. Despite these hardships, there is a sense of resilience and determination, as expressed in the recurring line 'Mas da fruta que eles gostam, eu como até o caroço' (But of the fruit they like, I eat even the pit). This line suggests a refusal to give up, a willingness to endure and make the most out of whatever is available.

Carvalho also critiques the systemic issues and false promises that perpetuate these struggles. References to 'jogo de cartas marcadas' (a rigged game) and 'promessa furada' (broken promises) underscore the frustration with corrupt systems and unfulfilled political promises. The song juxtaposes the opulence often depicted in media, such as 'fartura na mesa' (abundance on the table) seen in TV novelas, with the stark reality of the people's lives. This contrast serves to highlight the disparity between the rich and the poor, and the illusion of prosperity that is often portrayed.

Ultimately, 'Corda no Pescoço' is a powerful anthem of endurance and a call for awareness and change. It captures the essence of the struggles faced by the common people while celebrating their unyielding spirit and resilience in the face of adversity.