Campo de Batalha

Edson Gomes' song 'Campo de Batalha' poignantly captures the grim reality and senselessness of war. The repetitive chorus, 'No campo de batalha cheira morte, No campo de batalha a morte é mais forte,' translates to 'On the battlefield, it smells like death, On the battlefield, death is stronger.' This stark imagery sets the tone for the entire song, emphasizing the omnipresence of death and the overpowering nature of mortality in war zones. The battlefield is depicted as a place where death is not just a possibility but a dominant force, overshadowing any notions of heroism or glory.

The lyrics delve deeper into the personal and emotional toll of war. Lines like 'Vais matar a quem nunca viu, Vais matar a quem não te fez nada' ('You will kill someone you've never seen, You will kill someone who did nothing to you') highlight the senseless violence and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers. The song questions the purpose of such bloodshed, asking 'Em favor de que? de que? (nada)' ('In favor of what? what? (nothing)'). This rhetorical question underscores the futility of war, suggesting that the sacrifices made on the battlefield are often for no meaningful cause.

The emotional impact on families is also a significant theme in the song. The lyrics describe the anguish of families waiting for their loved ones, with 'Lágrimas nos olhos, Tristeza na face, O peito apertado' ('Tears in their eyes, Sadness on their faces, Tightness in their chests'). This vivid portrayal of grief and anxiety brings a human element to the song, reminding listeners of the real people affected by the abstract concept of war. The repetition of 'Alguém vencerá, Alguém morrerá enfim' ('Someone will win, Someone will die eventually') serves as a somber reminder that in war, there are always winners and losers, but the cost is invariably high.