Corta cana

Mestre Toni Vargas' song 'Corta cana' is a poignant and powerful reflection on the brutal realities of slavery and the enduring spirit of those who endured it. The repetitive chorus, 'O corta cana, corta cana, corta cana, nego velho,' serves as a haunting reminder of the relentless labor forced upon enslaved individuals in the sugarcane fields. This repetition not only emphasizes the grueling nature of the work but also the dehumanizing cycle of oppression that defined their existence.

The lyrics delve deeply into the personal losses experienced by the enslaved. The narrator speaks of having had a family—parents, a daughter—only to lose them all, along with their freedom and love. This loss is compounded by the physical and emotional pain endured daily, symbolized by the 'chicote do feitor' (the overseer's whip). The imagery of a once-free individual, who roamed the forests like a king, now reduced to a 'bicho acuado' (cornered animal) working in chains, starkly contrasts the past and present, highlighting the devastating impact of slavery.

Despite the overwhelming suffering, the song also speaks to the resilience and unbreakable spirit of the enslaved. The narrator's soul, though subjected to unimaginable hardships, remains unenslaved. The reference to the orixás, deities in Afro-Brazilian religions, signifies a source of spiritual strength and cultural identity that slavery could not strip away. The metaphor of being 'cana forte' (strong cane) and 'memé cana caiana' (a type of sugarcane) suggests an inner sweetness and strength that belies the harsh exterior, making it difficult to break their spirit. This resilience is a testament to the enduring power of faith, culture, and the human spirit in the face of oppression.