Triste Partida

Patativa do Assaré's song "Triste Partida" poignantly captures the plight of the Northeastern Brazilian migrant, forced to leave their homeland due to the relentless droughts that plague the region. The song begins with a lamentation of the passing months, highlighting the desperation and fear of the people as they face the harsh realities of famine and pestilence. The repeated invocation of "Meu Deus" underscores the deep sense of helplessness and the search for divine intervention in their dire circumstances.

As the song progresses, it details the failed hopes of the Northeasterners, who cling to the promise of rain and a bountiful harvest, only to be met with disappointment. The imagery of the sun rising "bem vermeio" (very red) and the absence of the anticipated "barra" (harvest) paints a vivid picture of the unyielding drought. The people's faith is tested, and their last resort is to appeal to Saint Joseph, the patron saint of March, but even this hope is dashed, leading to a loss of faith and a decision to migrate.

The migration itself is depicted with a heavy heart, as families sell their belongings and embark on a journey to São Paulo, a land of uncertainty. The emotional toll is evident as children mourn the loss of their pets and toys, and the parents grapple with the pain of leaving their birthplace. Upon arrival in São Paulo, the harsh reality of their new life sets in. The Northeasterners face alienation, exploitation, and a never-ending cycle of debt and labor. The song concludes with a sense of perpetual suffering and longing for their homeland, encapsulating the enduring struggle and resilience of the Northeastern migrant.