Carcará

Chico Buarque's song 'Carcará' is a vivid portrayal of the harsh realities of life in the Brazilian sertão, or backlands. The carcará, a bird of prey native to this region, serves as a powerful metaphor for resilience and survival. The lyrics describe the carcará as a fierce and relentless predator, capable of flying like an airplane and possessing a curved beak similar to a hawk's. This bird is depicted as a symbol of strength and tenacity, thriving even in the most challenging conditions.

The song highlights the carcará's adaptability and resourcefulness, particularly during the dry season when the land is scorched, and food is scarce. The bird's ability to hunt and consume even burnt snakes underscores its determination to survive. This imagery reflects the struggles of the people living in the sertão, who must endure and adapt to the harsh environment. The carcará's predatory nature, as it preys on young lambs, further emphasizes the brutal reality of survival in this unforgiving landscape.

Chico Buarque uses the carcará as a symbol of courage and resilience, qualities that are essential for survival in the sertão. The repeated refrain 'Carcará, pega, mata e come' (Carcará, catches, kills, and eats) reinforces the bird's relentless nature and serves as a reminder of the harshness of life in the backlands. The song also subtly critiques the social and economic conditions that force people to adopt such a fierce approach to survival. Through 'Carcará,' Buarque paints a poignant picture of the struggle for existence in the Brazilian sertão, celebrating the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants while also acknowledging the harsh realities they face.