Brazos pra seitura

Fuxan Os Ventos, a Galician folk group known for their poignant and socially conscious lyrics, delivers a powerful message in their song "Brazos pra seitura." The song addresses the devastating impact of emigration on rural Galicia, a region in Spain. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a land stripped of its people, where the elderly lament and children cry, symbolizing a community in distress. The recurring question, "¿quen seiturará?" (who will harvest?), underscores the central theme of abandonment and the resulting labor shortage in agricultural tasks, which are vital for the community's survival.

The song's verses enumerate the destinations of the emigrants: Switzerland, across the sea, and southern France. This enumeration serves to highlight the widespread nature of the exodus, leaving only a handful of people behind. The stark contrast between the numbers of those who have left and those who remain emphasizes the gravity of the situation. The remaining population consists mainly of the elderly and children, who are unable to perform the demanding work of harvesting. This demographic imbalance further exacerbates the community's plight, as the essential task of reaping the fields becomes an insurmountable challenge.

In the final verses, the song shifts from a lament to a call to action. It urges the remaining men and women to sow the seeds of their truth and fight for it, symbolizing a broader struggle for cultural and social preservation. The plea to "pechemo-las portas" (close the doors) to prevent further emigration is a desperate appeal to retain the community's remaining strength. The song encapsulates a deep sense of loss and a fervent hope for resilience, making it a poignant anthem for those affected by emigration and a call to preserve their heritage and way of life.