Chico Paraue

Carolina Soares' song "Chico Paraue" is a poignant and heart-wrenching portrayal of the suffering endured by enslaved families. The repetitive chant of "Chico paraue, raue" serves as a haunting backdrop to the narrative, emphasizing the cyclical and inescapable nature of their pain. The song opens with the sorrow of a mother witnessing her child being sold off to a plantation, likening the child to an animal, stripped of humanity and dignity. This imagery starkly highlights the dehumanizing aspects of slavery, where individuals were treated as mere property.

The song then shifts to the perspective of the father, whose grief is described as even more intense. His only recourse is to kneel on the ground and pray for death, a powerful metaphor for the utter hopelessness and despair felt by those who were enslaved. This act of kneeling and praying underscores the lack of agency and the overwhelming sense of powerlessness that defined their existence. The father's plea to God reflects a deep spiritual anguish, a cry for liberation from an unbearable reality.

Further, the song paints a vivid picture of the harsh living conditions endured by the enslaved. The water they drank, the meager rations they received, and the makeshift beds of palm leaves all serve to illustrate the daily struggles and indignities they faced. These details not only evoke empathy but also serve as a historical reminder of the brutal realities of slavery. Carolina Soares uses her music to give voice to the voiceless, ensuring that the pain and resilience of enslaved individuals are not forgotten.