A Cidade

Nação Zumbi's song 'A Cidade' paints a vivid and critical picture of urban life, particularly in the city of Recife, Brazil. The lyrics open with the imagery of the sun illuminating the 'evolved stones,' a metaphor for the city's buildings and infrastructure, which have been built with the relentless effort of 'suicidal masons.' This phrase suggests the extreme sacrifices made by workers to construct the city. The song then describes the constant surveillance by 'knights,' representing the authorities who monitor the populace without discrimination between good and bad.

The chorus, 'A cidade não para, a cidade só cresce / O de cima sobe e o de baixo desce,' translates to 'The city doesn't stop, the city only grows / The ones on top rise and the ones on the bottom fall.' This highlights the relentless pace of urban expansion and the growing social inequality. The city is depicted as a place of ambition and deception, where both the wealthy and the poor struggle to survive. The mention of various modes of transportation and different social roles underscores the diversity and complexity of urban life.

The song also touches on the exploitation and disillusionment of the city, describing it as 'prostituted' by those seeking escape. Despite its international allure, the city remains in a state of perpetual imbalance, with some having more and others less. The lyrics suggest a sense of resignation to this 'more or less' situation. However, there is also a call to action, as the singer proposes creating a blend of traditional Brazilian music genres—embolada, samba, and maracatu—as a means of cultural resistance and empowerment. The final lines bring the listener back to the harsh reality of Recife, waking up to the same 'stench' as the day before, reinforcing the cyclical nature of urban struggles.