500 Anos

Edson Gomes' song "500 Anos" is a poignant reflection on the enduring struggles and injustices faced by indigenous and black communities in Brazil over the past five centuries. The lyrics convey a deep sense of historical pain and ongoing suffering, highlighting the systemic oppression that has persisted since the arrival of European colonizers. The repetition of the phrase "Há 500 anos" (For 500 years) underscores the long duration of this suffering, emphasizing that these issues are not relics of the past but continue to affect lives today.

The song vividly describes the brutal realities faced by these communities, with imagery of indigenous bodies falling and black bodies dancing, symbolizing the violence and exploitation they have endured. The mention of the sword piercing children is a stark reminder of the atrocities committed against these populations. The lyrics also touch on the theme of deception, with the line "Vivemos de mentira" (We live a lie) suggesting that the promises of equality and justice have been empty for centuries.

Gomes' lyrics also express a yearning for freedom and a better future. The repeated references to the heart—"Meu coração se aperta" (My heart tightens), "Meu coração desperta" (My heart awakens)—indicate a deep emotional response to the ongoing struggle. The desire for total freedom in the city reflects a broader aspiration for societal change and liberation from systemic oppression. The song ends on a powerful note, with the declaration "Sou a prova, Eu a própria prova" (I am the proof, I am the very proof), asserting the lived experiences of these communities as undeniable evidence of their resilience and the need for justice.