Crime Vai e Vem

Racionais MC's, a seminal Brazilian rap group, delves deep into the harsh realities of life in the favelas with their song 'Crime Vai e Vem.' The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the cyclical nature of crime and the socio-economic conditions that perpetuate it. The song opens with a conversation highlighting the omnipresence of police and the constant threat of incarceration, setting the stage for a narrative that explores the struggles of individuals trying to navigate a life fraught with danger and limited opportunities.

The protagonist of the song is a man recently released from prison, who finds himself back in the same environment that led to his incarceration. The lyrics poignantly describe his internal conflict and the societal pressures that push him back into a life of crime. The lines 'Quem vive do passado é memória, museu' (Those who live in the past are memories, museums) and 'Dinheiro, segredo, palavra-chave' (Money, secret, keyword) underscore the harsh reality that financial desperation and the allure of quick money often dictate one's choices. The song also touches on the manipulation of truth and the corruption that permeates various levels of society, from the streets to politics.

The chorus, 'O crime vai, o crime vem' (Crime goes, crime comes), encapsulates the relentless cycle of criminal activity in the favelas. The song doesn't just focus on the individual but also on the broader community, illustrating how crime and survival are intertwined. The vivid imagery of 'um ganha e outro perde' (one wins and another loses) and 'enquanto um louco cheira, o demônio se diverte' (while one crazy snorts, the devil has fun) highlights the zero-sum game that many find themselves in. The song ends on a somber note, reflecting on the endless struggle and the slim chances of escaping this life, with 'Vitorioso é aquele que se pá, consegue sobreviver' (Victorious is the one who, if possible, survives).

Racionais MC's use their platform to shed light on the systemic issues that plague the favelas, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the lives of those caught in the web of crime. Their music serves as both a social commentary and a call to action, urging listeners to understand and address the root causes of these issues.