Lei Da Periferia

Consciência Humana's song "Lei Da Periferia" paints a vivid and raw picture of life in São Mateus, a neighborhood in São Paulo, Brazil. The lyrics delve into the daily struggles faced by many residents in the peripheries of the city, highlighting themes of poverty, crime, and the relentless fight for survival. The song opens by acknowledging that the depicted hardships are not unique to São Mateus but are shared across various zones of São Paulo, emphasizing a widespread issue.

The narrative follows a family grappling with financial instability. The father, despite his best efforts to provide, finds himself unable to escape the clutches of poverty. His children, growing up in an environment where crime seems like the only viable option, begin to follow a dangerous path. The older son, in particular, becomes entangled in criminal activities, driven by a desire to support his family and avoid seeing his father struggle alone. This cycle of hardship and crime is referred to as the "law of the periphery," a harsh reality that many in São Mateus face daily.

Tragedy strikes when the father is murdered, a victim of the very environment he tried to shield his family from. The older son, fueled by anger and a sense of duty, seeks revenge, further entrenching himself in a life of crime. The song poignantly captures the mother's despair as she witnesses the loss of her husband and the downfall of her son. The final verses offer a glimmer of hope as the narrator reflects on the need to break free from this vicious cycle, expressing a desire for a life without violence, racism, and police brutality. The song ends on a note of determination, with the narrator vowing to change his path and create a better future for himself and his family.

"Lei Da Periferia" is a powerful commentary on the socio-economic challenges faced by marginalized communities in São Paulo. It sheds light on the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and crime, while also highlighting the resilience and strength of those who strive to overcome these obstacles.