A Cidade

Chico Science's song 'A Cidade' paints a vivid and critical picture of urban life, particularly in the city of Recife, Brazil. The lyrics open with the imagery of the sun illuminating the 'evolved stones,' a metaphor for the city's buildings and infrastructure, which have grown through the relentless efforts of 'suicidal masons.' This phrase suggests the extreme dedication and perhaps the exploitation of laborers who have built the city. The presence of 'knights' patrolling the streets, indifferent to the morality of the people, hints at a society under constant surveillance and control.

The song delves into the city's role as a hub of ambitions, attracting both the wealthy and the destitute. It highlights the diverse array of people and activities that make up the urban landscape, from workers and bosses to police officers and street vendors. The recurring refrain, 'A cidade não para, a cidade só cresce, o de cima sobe e o de baixo desce,' underscores the relentless growth and the widening gap between the rich and the poor. This line captures the essence of social inequality, where the powerful continue to rise while the less fortunate are left behind.

Chico Science also critiques the city's exploitation and the false promises it offers to outsiders. The city is described as 'prostituted' by those seeking an escape, luring people with its fame that extends beyond the seas. Despite the international cunning, the city is portrayed as being in a perpetual state of 'more or less,' with some having more and others having less. The song concludes with a call to action, blending traditional Brazilian rhythms like embolada, samba, and maracatu, as a means to rise from the mud and face the vultures. This powerful ending emphasizes the need for cultural resilience and unity in the face of urban challenges.