Erro +55

“Erro +55” by Project46 is a powerful and unfiltered critique of Brazilian society, addressing the systemic issues and cultural flaws that the band perceives in their homeland. The title itself, “Erro +55,” refers to the international dialing code for Brazil, symbolizing that the country is fundamentally flawed from its very identity. The repetition of “de um erro” (from a mistake) emphasizes the deep-rooted problems that the band believes are inherent in Brazilian society.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a country plagued by corruption, social inequality, and hypocrisy. The song criticizes the “jeitinho brasileiro,” a term that refers to the Brazilian way of bending rules to achieve goals, often through bribery and corruption. The band highlights the stark contrast between the wealthy elite and the impoverished masses, pointing out how the rich thrive while the poor are left to struggle. The mention of “país dos ricos do terceiro mundo” (country of the rich in the third world) underscores this disparity, suggesting that Brazil, despite its wealth, fails to provide basic necessities like education and healthcare to its citizens.

Project46 also takes aim at the false morality and superficial religiosity prevalent in Brazilian society. They criticize the churches for their hypocrisy, condemning minor faults while turning a blind eye to those who can afford to pay for their sins. The song also addresses the misplaced priorities of the nation, where sports and entertainment are valued more than essential services like hospitals and schools. The line “enquanto a bola for mais importante do que um hospital inteiro” (while the ball is more important than an entire hospital) poignantly captures this sentiment.

The song concludes with a sense of frustration and defiance, as the band declares that their message has been delivered. They express a deep-seated anger towards the indifference and complacency of the people, urging them to wake up and take action. The repeated refrain “Oh! Pátria amada, idolatrada, mas não tem quem salve” (Oh! Beloved homeland, idolized, but there is no one to save it) serves as a somber reminder of the dire state of the nation and the urgent need for change.