Que Tal Um Samba? (feat. Hamilton de Holanda)

Chico Buarque's song "Que Tal Um Samba?" featuring Hamilton de Holanda is a vibrant and poetic call to embrace the healing power of samba. The lyrics suggest using samba as a remedy for life's hardships and a way to uplift the spirit. The song opens with the idea of pulling a samba to dispel the gloom and mend the damage, highlighting the therapeutic nature of music. Buarque's suggestion to take a drink, find solace, and indulge in daydreams further emphasizes the need for escapism and emotional release.

The song continues by painting vivid images of joy and renewal. Buarque proposes a samba to brighten the day, reset the game, and balance the heart's passion with a cool head. He speaks of washing away troubles in the sea, taking a cleansing bath of coarse salt, and emerging from the depths of despair. The references to traditional Brazilian cultural practices, such as dancing the jongo at Pedra do Sal and joining the roda in Gamboa, underscore the importance of cultural roots and community in the healing process.

Buarque also touches on themes of love, creativity, and legacy. He envisions scoring a bicycle kick goal, lying in a lover's bed, and awakening as a poet. The idea of raising a child in a good place, with dark skin and beauty, rich in culture rather than money, speaks to the value of heritage and identity. The song concludes with a call to rebuild, fight ignorance, dismantle brute force, and, after enduring much suffering, to pull a samba once more. This final plea encapsulates the resilience and enduring spirit of the Brazilian people, using samba as a symbol of hope and renewal.