Rei Dos Frangos

“Rei Dos Frangos” by João Penca & Seus Miquinhos Amestrados is a humorous and satirical song that delves into the life of a man who works tirelessly at a barbecue joint. The protagonist spends his entire day grilling chickens, frying potatoes, and making salads. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the physical toll this job takes on him, from singed eyelashes to the constant smell of barbecue smoke clinging to his clothes. This imagery serves to highlight the often-overlooked hardships faced by those in the food service industry.

The song also touches on the protagonist's sense of pride and irony in his work. Despite the grueling nature of his job, he refers to himself as the “Rei dos Frangos de Moscavide” (King of Chickens from Moscavide). This title is both a badge of honor and a source of humor, as he admits he doesn’t even like chicken. The lyrics also hint at the moral ambiguities of his work, such as manipulating prices while maintaining a friendly demeanor with customers. This duality adds depth to the character, making him relatable and human.

The song takes a surreal turn when the protagonist describes his nightmares. He dreams of being chased and attacked by thousands of featherless chickens, a metaphor for the inescapable nature of his job. These dreams symbolize his mental exhaustion and the way his work invades his personal life. The final lines suggest a cyclical nature to his existence, where the morning brings another day of grilling, hinting at a never-ending cycle of labor and fatigue. Through its witty lyrics and vivid imagery, “Rei Dos Frangos” offers a poignant yet comedic look at the life of a hardworking individual, making it a relatable anthem for many.