Caxangá

Milton Nascimento's song 'Caxangá' delves deep into the struggles and aspirations of the working class. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the daily grind and the yearning for a better life. The opening lines, 'Sempre no coração, haja o que houver / A fome de um dia poder / Morder a carne desta mulher,' metaphorically express an insatiable hunger for fulfillment and a better future, symbolized by the desire to 'bite the flesh of this woman.' This could be interpreted as a longing for love, success, or simply a more satisfying existence.

The song contrasts the lives of the workers and their bosses, highlighting the disparity in their experiences. 'Veja bem meu patrão como pode ser bom / Você trabalharia no sol / E eu tomando banho de mar' illustrates the stark difference between the laborers toiling under the sun and the privileged enjoying leisure by the sea. This contrast underscores the social and economic inequalities that persist in society. Nascimento's lyrics also touch on the existential struggle, 'Luto para viver, vivo para morrer / Enquanto minha morte não vem,' reflecting a life of constant battle and the inevitability of death.

In the communal setting around the fire, 'Em volta do fogo todo mundo abrindo o jogo / Conta o que tem pra contar,' the workers share their stories, dreams, and desires. This scene represents solidarity and the human need for connection and expression. However, the line 'Quem não é sincero sai da brincadeira correndo / Pois pode se queimar' warns of the dangers of insincerity and the importance of honesty in these interactions. The song concludes with a return to the harsh reality of labor, 'Saio do trabalho, ei / Volto para casa, ei / Não lembro de canseira maior / Em tudo é o mesmo suor,' emphasizing the relentless cycle of work and fatigue that defines the lives of the working class.