O Analfabeto

Moreira da Silva's song 'O Analfabeto' poignantly addresses the challenges and societal perceptions faced by illiterate individuals. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the limitations and stigmas that come with illiteracy. The song opens by highlighting how an illiterate person struggles to succeed in life, unable to read newspapers or understand the world around them. This lack of knowledge and awareness keeps them dependent on others, symbolized by the metaphor of a parrot that only repeats what it hears without understanding.

The song also delves into the social interactions of an illiterate person, illustrating a dinner scene where a well-educated individual condescendingly advises the illiterate man to use his vocabulary. The illiterate man's response, focusing on the fullness of his plate rather than the conversation, underscores his exclusion from intellectual discourse. This moment of misunderstanding leads to laughter from the others, further emphasizing the social isolation and ridicule faced by those who cannot read or write.

Moreira da Silva uses humor and irony to shed light on a serious issue, making the song both entertaining and thought-provoking. The repeated refrain reinforces the message that illiteracy is a significant barrier to personal and social advancement. By portraying the illiterate man as both pitiable and resilient, the song invites listeners to reflect on the broader implications of education and the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing social inequalities.