Samba do Crioulo Doido

“Samba do Crioulo Doido” by Demônios da Garoa is a satirical and humorous take on Brazilian history, blending real historical figures and events in a nonsensical and anachronistic manner. The song's title itself, which roughly translates to “Crazy Black Man’s Samba,” sets the tone for the absurdity and playful critique that follows. The lyrics mix up historical timelines and characters, creating a chaotic narrative that pokes fun at the way history is often taught and remembered.

The song begins in Diamantina, the birthplace of Juscelino Kubitschek (JK), a former president of Brazil, and quickly introduces Princess Leopoldina, who historically was married to Dom Pedro I. However, the song humorously suggests she was forced to marry Tiradentes, a martyr of Brazilian independence. This absurdity continues with Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, also known as Tiradentes, being elected as Pedro II, the second emperor of Brazil. The lyrics then describe a fictional alliance between Dom Pedro and Father Anchieta, a Jesuit missionary, to end some unspecified conflict, leading to the proclamation of slavery instead of its abolition.

The song’s chorus, with its repetitive “Lá iá lá iá lá ia,” adds to the playful and mocking tone, emphasizing the absurdity of the narrative. The final verses further the satire by turning historical figures into mundane objects, with Princess Leopoldina becoming a train and Dom Pedro a train station. This transformation underscores the song’s critique of how historical figures are often reduced to mere names and dates in textbooks, losing their true significance and complexity.

Demônios da Garoa, known for their humorous and satirical sambas, use this song to highlight the absurdity and often contradictory nature of historical narratives. By blending fact and fiction, they invite listeners to question the accuracy and completeness of the history they have been taught, all while enjoying a catchy and entertaining samba tune.