Escola Proibida

MC TH's song 'Escola Proibida' offers a raw and unfiltered look into life in the favelas, where survival often means embracing a life of crime and danger. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young man who has grown up in a harsh environment, where the rules of society are different, and the stakes are high. The term 'Escola Proibida' (Forbidden School) metaphorically represents the streets of the favela, where traditional education is replaced by the harsh lessons of street life.

The song opens with a description of the protagonist as a 'Criminoso, moleque mulherengo' (criminal, womanizing kid), highlighting the negative labels often attached to young men in these communities. Despite these labels, the protagonist takes pride in his life, valuing it even in its chaos ('Oi vida louca louca louca, valorizo a vida'). The lyrics suggest a cycle of violence and crime that is hard to escape, as the protagonist acknowledges that if he falls, someone even more dangerous will take his place.

The second verse delves deeper into the idea of the favela as a school. Here, the 'lessons' are about survival, and failure is not an option ('Não tem recuperação pra quem for reprovado nela'). The protagonist's 'mathematics' involves adding up gains and understanding that any loss ('Diminuir aqui') is a serious matter. The imagery of wolves and piranhas further emphasizes the predatory nature of this environment, where only the strong survive.

In the final verse, the protagonist describes his life of crime in more detail, from setting fires to evading the police ('Pinote de 66 é claro ninguém derruba'). The sense of pride and defiance is palpable, as he boasts about his skills and his ability to outsmart his enemies. This verse encapsulates the thrill and danger of life in the favela, where every day is a battle for survival.