A Galinha

The song "A Galinha" by Os Saltimbancos, a Brazilian musical group, is a metaphorical piece that delves into themes of labor, exploitation, and the desire for freedom. The lyrics personify a hen reflecting on her life of laying eggs and the realization that her value is tied solely to her productivity. The hen's lament about her 'scarce production' alarming the 'boss' is a clear allegory for workers' conditions, where their worth is often measured by their output, and once they are no longer useful, they are discarded.

The hen's dream of 'gemada' (egg yolk) represents her yearning for a different life, one that is not defined by the endless cycle of laying eggs. The threat of being turned into soup if she doesn't produce is a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to meet expectations. However, the hen's act of biting back and escaping symbolizes a rebellion against the oppressive system, a call for autonomy and the right to live life on one's own terms.

The final verse of the song speaks to a collective struggle, suggesting that one more voice ('um bico a mais') can contribute to the happiness and freedom of the 'great cage' that is their country. This can be interpreted as a message of solidarity and the importance of standing together for change. The song, while simple in its narrative about a hen, is a powerful commentary on societal structures and the universal quest for dignity and liberation.