Asfalto do Catete

Filipe Ret's song 'Asfalto do Catete' delves deep into the gritty and often heartbreaking realities of life in the urban neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro. The song opens with a repetitive chant, 'KTTZOO,' which sets a rhythmic and almost hypnotic tone, drawing listeners into the narrative. The lyrics immediately touch on themes of loss and longing, with Ret expressing the pain of seeing loved ones depart and the emotional scars that remain. This sense of saudade, a Portuguese term for a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing, is a central theme throughout the song.

Ret reminisces about his dreams of making it big in the music industry, specifically in the funk genre, and the desire to rise above the socioeconomic challenges of his environment. He paints a vivid picture of his past, filled with memories of carefree days spent with friends, juxtaposed against the harsh realities of violence and loss that have marred his community. The mention of 'sangue e amigo morto' (blood and dead friends) highlights the brutal impact of crime and violence on the youth in these neighborhoods.

The song also addresses the transformation of the community over time, from innocent beginnings to a place where drugs and crime have taken a heavy toll. Ret reflects on how aspirations and dreams can be corrupted by the harsh realities of life, with references to the shift from marijuana ('beck') to crack cocaine, symbolizing a deeper descent into despair. The mention of friends who are either incarcerated or lost to the streets underscores the pervasive sense of hopelessness and the struggle to find a way out. 'Asfalto do Catete' is a poignant commentary on the cyclical nature of poverty and violence, and the resilience required to survive in such an environment.