Rainha da Cangaço

Ivan Ferraz's song 'Rainha da Cangaço' pays homage to Maria Bonita, a legendary figure in Brazilian history. The lyrics tell the story of Deia, who was born in the Sertão, a semi-arid region in Brazil. Deia, better known as Maria Bonita, became the wife of Lampião, the infamous leader of the Cangaço, a group of bandits who roamed the Brazilian backlands in the early 20th century. The song highlights her transformation from a simple woman to a formidable figure in the Cangaço, emphasizing her bravery and resilience.

The repetition of the lines 'Seu nome era Deia / Nasceu no Sertão / Foi Maria Bonita / Mulher de Lampião' serves to reinforce her identity and origins, grounding her legend in the harsh realities of the Sertão. The lyrics also paint a vivid picture of her life in the Cangaço, describing how she lived with a rifle in hand, traversing the thorny landscapes of the Sertão without fear of conflict or supernatural threats. This portrayal underscores her strength and the respect she commanded within the group.

Maria Bonita's story is not just about her relationship with Lampião but also about her own role and agency within the Cangaço. The song refers to her as the 'Rainha do cangaço' (Queen of the Cangaço), highlighting her leadership and influence. By celebrating Maria Bonita, Ivan Ferraz brings attention to the often-overlooked contributions of women in historical narratives, particularly in the context of the Cangaço, where women played crucial roles alongside their male counterparts.