Estrada de Chão

Brunno Santhos' song 'Estrada de Chão' paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by people living in the rural areas of Brazil, particularly in the sertão, a semi-arid region known for its harsh living conditions. The lyrics open with imagery of dust in the eyes and the scorching summer heat, setting the stage for a narrative of hardship and survival. The mention of cattle dying and people suffering from a lack of bread underscores the dire consequences of drought and economic hardship in these regions.

The song continues to describe the desolation that comes with the absence of water. Without rain, the land becomes barren, and the once-green hills turn brown. This lack of water not only affects the natural landscape but also devastates agriculture, leaving no crops to harvest. The imagery of a sad sertão without the green of the hills or water in the soil is a powerful metaphor for the lifelessness that drought brings to the region.

In the final verses, the focus shifts to the remaining cattle being driven by the cowboy along a dirt road. The cowboy's shout, 'Êh, boiada,' and the description of the road as one of dirt and stone, 'estrada de chão,' evoke a sense of resilience and determination. Despite the harsh conditions, life goes on, and the people continue to do what they can to survive. This song is a poignant reflection on the resilience of rural communities in the face of adversity, capturing both their struggles and their enduring spirit.