Cambalache

That the world has been and will be a mess, I already know
In 506 and in 2000 as well
That there have always been thieves, Machiavellian and scoundrels
Content and frustrated, values, confusion

But that the 20th century is a curse
Of evil and garbage
There is no one who denies
We live stuck in the mire
And in the same mud we are all handled

Nowadays, it's all the same
To be righteous or a traitor
Ignorant, wise, foolish
Pretentious, thief

Everything is the same, nothing is better
A donkey is the same as a good teacher
Without differing, yes sir
Whether in the North or in the South

If one lives in deceit
Another steals in his ambition
It's all the same whether he's a priest
Charcoal burner, king of clubs, tough guy or senator

What lack of respect, what an affront to reason
Anyone is a lord, anyone is a thief
Beethoven, Ringo Starr and Napoleon are mixed
Pius IX and Dom João, John Lennon and San Martin

Just like in front of the shop window
These troublemakers mix with life
Wounded by a sword already blunt
For crying over the Bible, next to the heater

20th century barter
Problematic and feverish
Who doesn't cry, doesn't get fed
Who doesn't steal is a fool

It's no use anymore, the strength it gives
That, down in hell, we will meet
Don't think anymore, sit down beside
No one cares if you were born honorable

Whether it's the same one who works
Night and day like an ox
Whether it's the one who lives in abundance
Whether it's the one who kills, the one who cures
Or even an outlaw