A Canção Do Senhor Da Guerra
Legião Urbana
The Cynical Reality of War: A Canção Do Senhor Da Guerra
Legião Urbana's song 'A Canção Do Senhor Da Guerra' is a powerful critique of the mechanisms and motivations behind war. The lyrics paint a grim picture of how youth are manipulated and sacrificed for the benefit of those in power. The song opens with the notion that someone is waiting to buy your youth and convince you to fight in yet another senseless war. This highlights the exploitation of young people, who are often the ones sent to the front lines while the decision-makers remain safe and distant.
The song delves into the harsh reality that wars are often justified by economic gains. It points out the absurdity of prioritizing arms exports over food, emphasizing that weapons are more profitable. The lyrics also touch on the technological advancements that come from war, regardless of its nature—be it holy, hot, warm, or cold. This cynical view underscores the idea that war is a business, driven by profit rather than any noble cause.
'A Canção Do Senhor Da Guerra' also criticizes the detachment of those who orchestrate wars from the actual suffering they cause. The song describes how the 'lords of war' are far removed from the battlefield, inventing new war games while soldiers face the brutal realities of combat. The repeated line 'O senhor da guerra não gosta de crianças' (The lord of war does not like children) serves as a poignant reminder of the innocence lost and the lives destroyed by war. The song ultimately serves as a powerful condemnation of the war industry and the dehumanizing effects it has on society.