Identidade

Ederaldo Gentil's song 'Identidade' paints a vivid picture of the daily struggles and ironies faced by a working-class individual in Brazil. The song opens with the protagonist's identification number, a stark reminder of how society often reduces people to mere digits. The mention of a 'minimum salary' and '12 hours of work' immediately sets the tone for a life of hard labor and minimal financial reward. The repeated phrase 'que felicidade' (what happiness) is laden with irony, highlighting the disconnect between the protagonist's harsh reality and the societal expectation of contentment.

The lyrics delve deeper into the protagonist's daily routine, marked by exhaustion and monotony. Waking up without having truly rested, relying on a small radio to keep track of time, and preparing a meager meal to take to work all underscore the relentless grind of his life. The imagery of 'going hanging and the signals closing' and 'arriving late, the day is cut' further emphasizes the precariousness of his situation. The numerous deductions from his salary, including INPS, FGTS, IRSS, insurance, and PIS, add to his financial woes, making it clear that the promised 'advantages' are nothing but empty words.

The song concludes with a poignant reflection on the protagonist's life. After 30 years of work, he is retired, yet even at over 70 years old, he is still searching for happiness. This ending serves as a powerful commentary on the systemic issues that trap individuals in a cycle of labor and unfulfilled promises. Ederaldo Gentil uses 'Identidade' to shed light on the often-overlooked struggles of the working class, making it a resonant and thought-provoking piece.