Defunto Grampeado

Bezerra da Silva's song 'Defunto Grampeado' is a satirical and humorous commentary on crime, corruption, and the absurdity of certain situations in Brazilian society. The song tells the story of a funeral that is abruptly interrupted by law enforcement officers who demand that the deceased be taken to jail. This bizarre scenario immediately sets the tone for a critique of the justice system and the often surreal nature of criminal activities and their consequences.

The lyrics describe the confusion and shock among the funeral attendees, including a priest and various onlookers, as the police insist on arresting the dead man. The priest, referred to as 'vigário 171' (a reference to the Brazilian penal code for fraud), and the 'malandragem' (a term for streetwise individuals or hustlers) are particularly highlighted, suggesting their complicity or awareness of the deceased's true identity. The term 'defunto grampeado' (stapled corpse) adds to the absurdity, implying that even in death, the individual is not free from the clutches of the law.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the deceased was involved in some form of criminal activity, as indicated by the reaction of the attendees and the eventual revelation that the 'defunto' was actually a 'cabrito importado' (a term for stolen goods). The song's narrative style, combined with its catchy rhythm, serves to both entertain and provoke thought about the inefficiencies and peculiarities of the legal and criminal systems. Bezerra da Silva, known for his samba and pagode music, often used his songs to address social issues with a blend of humor and sharp critique, making 'Defunto Grampeado' a quintessential example of his work.