Viver no campo! Como?

Edigar Mão Branca's song "Viver no campo! Como?" poignantly captures the challenges faced by rural workers in Brazil. The lyrics express a deep yearning to live a peaceful life in the countryside, working on one's own land and providing for the community. However, the singer is confronted with a harsh reality where disrespect and economic hardships make this dream difficult to achieve. The repeated lines about the devaluation of agricultural products when sold in the city highlight the systemic issues that rural workers face, where their hard work is not adequately compensated.

The song uses vivid imagery and relatable examples to illustrate the economic struggles of rural life. The comparisons between the value of agricultural products and everyday items, such as a sack of beans not being enough to pay for groceries or a bunch of bananas not being sufficient to buy a book, emphasize the disparity between the effort put into farming and the financial returns. This stark contrast underscores the frustration and helplessness felt by those who wish to sustain themselves through farming but find it economically unviable.

Moreover, the song touches on the broader societal issues of inequality and the lack of support for rural communities. The mention of selling livestock to afford basic necessities like medical consultations or household items further illustrates the dire economic conditions. The longing for a better life, symbolized by the desire to own a rusty old Jeep or take a trip to a more developed country, reflects the aspirations and dreams that seem out of reach for many rural workers. Through its heartfelt lyrics, "Viver no campo! Como?" sheds light on the struggles and resilience of those who strive to live off the land in Brazil.