Zé Fofinho de Ogum

Bezerra da Silva's song "Zé Fofinho de Ogum" tells the story of a cunning trickster, Zé Fofinho, who uses his supposed spiritual powers to deceive people. The song is a vivid portrayal of a character who claims to have mystical abilities, such as reading the future through búzios (cowrie shells) and performing various feats like binding women and taming husbands. Zé Fofinho's deceitful nature is highlighted by the repeated phrase "Era um tremendo 171," referring to the Brazilian penal code for fraud, indicating that he is a notorious con artist.

The lyrics delve into Zé Fofinho's manipulative tactics, including his interactions with the wife of a police chief, Osvaldo Cruz. He convinces her that her husband is unfaithful, exploiting her trust for his gain. The song also mentions Zé Fofinho's tattoo of São Jorge (Saint George), a symbol often associated with protection and strength in Brazilian culture. He uses this tattoo to bolster his claims of invincibility, saying he has a "closed body," meaning he is impervious to harm.

However, Zé Fofinho's luck runs out when he is caught by the police chief. The song's climax describes his downfall, as he is stripped and beaten, revealing the emptiness of his fraudulent claims. The repeated chorus and verses emphasize the cyclical nature of his deceit and eventual punishment. Bezerra da Silva's storytelling, combined with his samba style, paints a colorful picture of a character who embodies the themes of deception, gullibility, and the inevitable consequences of dishonesty.