Alagados

The song 'Alagados' by Os Paralamas do Sucesso, a Brazilian rock band, is a poignant portrayal of the harsh realities faced by the impoverished communities living in slums, known as favelas in Brazil. The title 'Alagados' refers to a favela in the city of Salvador, which is notorious for its poor living conditions and frequent flooding. The song draws a stark contrast between the picturesque image of Brazil promoted to tourists and the dire circumstances of its underprivileged citizens.

The lyrics describe the daily challenge of waking up to a world that seems to have no place for the poor, with references to 'palafitas' (stilt houses) and 'trapiches' (piers), which are common in Brazilian slums. The song criticizes the city that 'has arms open in a postcard' but 'closed fists in real life,' highlighting the discrepancy between the welcoming image projected to the outside world and the reality of inequality and lack of opportunities for the poor. The repeated lines 'A arte é de viver da fé / Só não se sabe fé em quê' translate to 'The art is to live by faith / Only it's not known faith in what,' expressing the uncertainty and resilience of those who live in constant adversity.

By mentioning Trenchtown, a neighborhood in Kingston, Jamaica, and Favela da Maré, another Brazilian slum, the song connects the struggle of the poor across different countries, emphasizing that this is a global issue. The refrain that hope does not come from the sea or television antennas suggests that external solutions or distractions are not enough to alleviate their plight. Instead, the song implies that the strength to endure comes from an undefined faith, perhaps in themselves or a better future, despite the lack of visible reasons to believe.