Partido Alto

Chico Buarque's 'Partido Alto' is a song that delves into the themes of faith, destiny, and the human condition, particularly within the context of Brazilian society. The lyrics oscillate between a hopeful refrain about divine providence ('Deus dará', meaning 'God will provide') and a more skeptical view of the hardships faced by the common Brazilian ('Eu nasci brasileiro, eu sou do Rio de Janeiro'). The song's title itself, 'Partido Alto', refers to a subgenre of samba known for its improvisational style and often contains witty and critical lyrics about everyday life and society.

The song's narrative voice expresses a mixture of trust and doubt in divine justice. The repeated lines 'Diz que Deus dará' and 'E se Deus não dá' reflect a questioning of the promise that God will take care of everyone. This is juxtaposed with the singer's resolve to become indignant if this divine provision is not met. The lyrics also touch on the idea of predestination, with the singer feeling that God has played a joke by placing him in a life of struggle and poverty. The mention of Jesus Christ and the expectation of an explanation for life's injustices adds a layer of religious and existential inquiry.

Chico Buarque uses humor and irony to describe the attributes God has given him, such as 'mão de veludo' (velvet hand) for caressing, 'muitas saudades' (many longings), and 'perna comprida' (long legs) for playing soccer and evading the police. These characteristics paint a picture of a person who is resourceful and resilient, despite the challenges of life. The song ultimately portrays a character who is defiant in the face of adversity, questioning the divine order while also acknowledging the traits and strengths that help him navigate the complexities of life in Brazil.