Chopis Centis

The song 'Chopis Centis' by the Brazilian band Mamonas Assassinas is a playful and satirical take on the consumer culture and the aspirations of the working class in Brazil. The lyrics, written in a humorous and colloquial style, tell the story of a person who takes their date to a shopping center (referred to in a comically misspelled way as 'shoppingui') to enjoy a meal together. The protagonist expresses a preference for simple, traditional food over the 'strange' food they encounter, such as items with sesame seeds, humorously stating a preference for 'aipim' (cassava).

The chorus of the song emphasizes the joy and happiness found in consumerism, specifically through the mention of 'crediário nas Casas Bahia,' which refers to a credit payment system at a popular Brazilian retail chain. This reflects a common dream among the working class to access goods and services that are often marketed as symbols of success and happiness. The song's playful language and exaggerated happiness about credit purchases serve as a critique of the materialistic values that are often propagated by society.

Mamonas Assassinas was known for their humorous and irreverent style, often incorporating parody and satire in their music. 'Chopis Centis' is a prime example of their approach, using humor to comment on social issues. The song's catchy melody and lighthearted lyrics made it popular, but the underlying message points to the band's ability to address more serious themes in a way that is accessible and entertaining to a wide audience.