Alagados

Herbert Vianna's song 'Alagados' paints a vivid picture of the daily struggles faced by the inhabitants of impoverished areas, specifically referencing the slums of Rio de Janeiro, known as 'favelas.' The song opens with the imagery of the morning sun challenging the residents, pulling them from their dreams into a harsh reality. This reality is characterized by makeshift homes, piers, and rags, symbolizing the dire living conditions and shared suffering of the community. The use of 'palafitas' (stilt houses) and 'trapiches' (piers) highlights the precariousness and instability of their lives.

The song contrasts the idealized image of the city, often depicted with open arms on postcards, with the clenched fists of real life, representing the lack of opportunities and the harshness of their existence. This duality underscores the disparity between the city's glamorous facade and the grim reality faced by its marginalized residents. The 'face dura do mal' (hard face of evil) reflects the systemic neglect and societal indifference that perpetuate their suffering.

Vianna also references 'Alagados,' 'Trenchtown,' and 'Favela da Maré,' drawing parallels between different impoverished communities around the world. The song suggests that hope does not come from external sources like the sea or television antennas, but rather from within the community itself. The repeated line, 'A arte de viver da fé, só não se sabe fé em que' (The art of living by faith, but not knowing faith in what), encapsulates the resilience and uncertainty of the residents. They survive through faith, though it is unclear what exactly they place their faith in, highlighting both their strength and the ambiguity of their hope.