Soldadinho de Deus
Guatupê e Guaratuba
Faith and Authority: The Tale of the Soldier of God
The song "Soldadinho de Deus" by Guatupê e Guaratuba tells the story of a young 18-year-old who enlists in the military, ready to fulfill his duty and obey his commanding officer. The narrative unfolds with the commander, described as a 'fera humana' (human beast), who is harsh and intimidating. The young soldier, on the other hand, is depicted as devout and religious, praying to God in secret.
Conflict arises when the commander learns of the soldier's religious practices and views them as a form of rebellion. In an act of arrogance and an attempt to belittle the soldier's faith, the commander challenges him to start a broken-down truck that hasn't been operational for a long time, mocking the soldier's belief in God's assistance. The soldier, guided by his faith, miraculously manages to drive the truck around the block, revealing to the astonished commander that the vehicle had no engine. This miracle leads to the commander's conversion, as he kneels and asks for God's forgiveness.
The song uses this narrative to explore themes of faith, authority, and the power of belief. It contrasts the arrogance of human authority with the humility and strength found in spiritual devotion. The story serves as a parable about the triumph of faith over skepticism and the transformative power of witnessing a miracle. The soldier's quiet confidence and the commander's eventual submission to a higher power highlight the song's message about the supremacy of divine intervention over human arrogance.