Cálice

Criolo's song 'Cálice' is a powerful commentary on the social injustices and violence that plague marginalized communities in Brazil. The title itself is a play on words, referencing both the Portuguese word for 'chalice' and the phrase 'cale-se,' which means 'shut up.' This dual meaning sets the tone for a song that is both a plea for help and a defiant refusal to be silenced.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the daily struggles faced by people living in impoverished neighborhoods. Criolo speaks of the constant threat of violence, whether on the way to work or returning home. The line 'Se as três da matina tem alguém que frita' highlights the desperation that drives people to extreme measures to survive. This is not just a personal lament but a broader critique of a society that forces its most vulnerable members into such dire situations.

Criolo also addresses the systemic prejudices that exist in Brazilian society. He points out the hypocrisy of a culture that discriminates against Northeasterners, Black people, and the illiterate, yet turns a blind eye if these individuals are wealthy. This critique extends to the cultural sphere, where Criolo laments that poetry and intellectual pursuits are often confined to spaces that exclude the very people who need them most. By bringing poetry to the streets and bars, he challenges these elitist norms.

The repeated plea to 'afasta de mim' (keep away from me) various forms of violence and addiction underscores the song's urgent call for a safer, more just environment. Criolo's reference to the ongoing repression and dictatorship, even in a supposedly democratic society, serves as a stark reminder that the fight for justice is far from over. Through 'Cálice,' Criolo not only highlights the harsh realities of life in the favelas but also calls for a collective awakening and action against these injustices.