FMI

José Mário Branco's 'FMI' is a song deeply rooted in political satire and social commentary. The title itself, 'FMI', refers to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), an organization that often steps in to provide financial assistance to countries experiencing economic instability, usually with stringent conditions attached. Branco's lyrics are a scathing critique of the IMF's influence on Portugal and the broader implications of global economic systems on individual nations and their citizens.

The song's lyrics are dense with metaphor and cultural references, painting a picture of a society that has become disillusioned and disenfranchised by the economic policies and interventions represented by the IMF. Branco uses a mix of sarcasm and direct address to criticize the way productivity and economic growth are prioritized over the well-being of the people. The repeated chorus 'FMI' serves as a mocking refrain, emphasizing the pervasive and inescapable nature of the organization's presence in Portugal.

Branco's song is not just a critique of the IMF but also a broader reflection on Portuguese society post-Carnation Revolution, which overthrew the Estado Novo dictatorship in 1974. The lyrics suggest a sense of betrayal and disappointment with the revolutionary promises, as the country seems to have traded one form of oppression for another. The song's narrative voice oscillates between different personas, including the common citizen, the political elite, and the artist himself, creating a multifaceted perspective on the socio-political climate of the time. The song ends with a personal plea for solitude and peace, highlighting the exhaustion and desire to escape from the overwhelming political chaos.