Maria Moita

Nara Leão's song 'Maria Moita' is a poignant exploration of the historical and social roles of women, particularly within the context of Brazilian culture. The lyrics begin by painting a vivid picture of the singer's origins in Bahia, born to a slave mother and a master father. This stark contrast in their living conditions—her father sleeping in a bed while her mother slept on the floor—sets the stage for a narrative about inequality and resilience. The mother's silent compliance, as she says 'yes' without speaking, underscores the societal expectation for women to be submissive and voiceless.

The song delves deeper into the gender dynamics by highlighting the double burden placed on women. It reflects on the biblical creation story, noting that women were created after men, which the song interprets as a reason for women having to work twice as hard. This is evident in the lines where the man arrives home hungry, and the woman must immediately tend to his needs, regardless of her own exhaustion. The repetition of the idea that women must work 'lying down or standing up' emphasizes the relentless nature of their labor, both physical and emotional.

In the final verses, Leão contrasts the lives of the rich and the poor, with the rich waking up late and complaining, while the poor rise early to start their day of hard work. The singer's plea to her Babalorixá (a priest in Afro-Brazilian religions) to pray to Xangô (a deity associated with justice) to make those who have never worked start working, serves as a powerful call for social justice. This plea encapsulates the song's underlying message: a demand for recognition of the labor and sacrifices of women, and a call for a more equitable society where everyone shares the burden of work.