Uns Vão Bem e Outros Mal

Fausto's song 'Uns Vão Bem e Outros Mal' is a poignant critique of social inequality and the struggles of the working class in Portugal. The song opens with an invitation to dance, symbolizing unity and collective action among workers. The lyrics emphasize that everyone is a worker, and there is no room for oppressors in this dance. This sets the stage for a broader discussion on social justice and the disparities between different social classes.

The refrain, 'Faz lá como tu quiseres' (Do as you please), juxtaposed with 'Eu não quero o que tu queres' (I don't want what you want), highlights the conflicting desires and conditions between the privileged and the underprivileged. The imagery of a dry leaf falling to the ground symbolizes the inevitable decline and decay that comes with social neglect. Fausto uses this metaphor to underscore the futility of the desires of the privileged class, which are disconnected from the harsh realities faced by the working class.

The song delves into specific issues such as housing crises and unemployment. Fausto criticizes the government and landlords for prioritizing speculation over providing homes for the poor. He paints a vivid picture of abandoned palaces turned into homes by the poor, only to be evicted by armed police. The lyrics also touch on the government's inadequate solutions, such as encouraging emigration, which only benefits the rich who never had to work. Fausto's call for workers to remember their struggles and fight for power is a powerful message of resistance and hope for change.

The final verse questions how those with vastly different interests and values can govern the working class effectively. Fausto argues that true change will only come when those who live by working gain power. The song ends with a reminder to hold on to each other, as the dance—and the struggle—continues.