É de Fazer Chorar

Luiz Bandeira's song "É de Fazer Chorar" captures the melancholic essence of the end of Carnival, a vibrant and culturally significant festival in Brazil, particularly in the state of Pernambuco. The lyrics express a deep sense of sorrow as the festivities come to an end with the arrival of Ash Wednesday, a day that marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. The phrase "É de fazer chorar" translates to "It makes you cry," highlighting the emotional impact of this transition from joy to a more somber period.

The song specifically mentions the frevo, a lively and energetic dance and music style that is a hallmark of Pernambuco's Carnival. Frevo is not just a genre; it is a cultural expression that brings people together in a euphoric celebration. The lyrics lament how quickly Ash Wednesday arrives, almost as if to spite the revelers who have waited an entire year to immerse themselves in the festivities. This sentiment is encapsulated in the line "Oh quarta feira ingrata, chega tão depressa, só pra contrariar," which translates to "Oh ungrateful Wednesday, you arrive so quickly, just to contradict."

Bandeira's song also touches on the identity and spirit of the Pernambucano people. The lyrics describe how true Pernambucanos eagerly anticipate the Carnival all year long, only to have their joy abruptly halted. This cyclical nature of anticipation and abrupt ending is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of happiness and the inevitability of time. The song serves as both a celebration of the cultural richness of Pernambuco and a lament for the ephemeral nature of its most joyous occasion.