Chá Cutuba

Luiz Gonzaga's song 'Chá Cutuba' is a vibrant and humorous exploration of a mysterious and potent herbal tea. The song opens with a repeated question directed at Sandoval, inquiring about the nature of the tea he drinks. This sets the stage for a playful narrative that delves into the ingredients and supposed miraculous properties of Chá Cutuba. The tea is described as a powerful concoction made from various roots and plants native to the North of Brazil, such as Cabriúva, Catolé, and Macaúba. These ingredients are not just exotic but also carry a sense of cultural authenticity, grounding the song in a specific regional context.

The lyrics then take a whimsical turn, recounting a story of Tomé Ribeiro, who was miraculously revived from a coffin after drinking the tea. This anecdote adds a layer of folklore and exaggeration, typical of Gonzaga's storytelling style. The tea is portrayed as almost magical, capable of extraordinary feats, which amplifies its mystique and allure. The humor is further enhanced by the exaggerated sacrifices people are willing to make to obtain this tea, such as trading a house, livestock, and a yard full of chickens.

In the final verse, the song takes a humorous twist as Sandoval admits that while he drinks the tea, his true preference is for women, not tea. This candid confession adds a layer of human relatability and humor, making the song not just a celebration of a cultural artifact but also a light-hearted commentary on human desires and priorities. Gonzaga's 'Chá Cutuba' is a delightful blend of cultural pride, folklore, and humor, encapsulating the essence of Northeastern Brazilian life and traditions.