Consumo

Rincon Sapiência's song 'Consumo' delves deep into the pervasive and often destructive nature of consumerism within a capitalist society. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the relentless pursuit of material goods and the societal pressures that drive this behavior. From the very beginning, the song highlights the insatiable desire for more, suggesting that no amount of acquisition is ever enough. This is evident in lines like 'Toda conquista é pouca o que tem não vai bastar,' which translates to 'Every conquest is little, what you have will not be enough.' The artist critiques how consumerism infiltrates every corner of life, from the streets to the media, pushing people to spend incessantly.

The song also touches on the harsh realities faced by those who cannot keep up with the demands of consumer culture. Rincon Sapiência points out the exploitation of labor, particularly in developing countries, where children are often forced into labor to produce the very goods that are coveted in more affluent societies. This is poignantly captured in the lines 'Mão de obra, crianças são exploradas em Honduras,' meaning 'Labor, children are exploited in Honduras.' The artist juxtaposes this with the allure of branded goods, showing how the desire for these items can lead to criminal behavior and moral degradation.

Furthermore, 'Consumo' explores the psychological and emotional toll of living in a consumer-driven world. The repeated refrain 'Necessidade ou somente pelo prazer, pelo prazer. Grana, grana pelo consumo,' which translates to 'Necessity or just for pleasure, for pleasure. Money, money for consumption,' underscores the internal conflict between genuine need and the superficial pleasure derived from consumption. The song suggests that this relentless pursuit of material wealth often leads to a cycle of debt and despair, as people struggle to maintain their lifestyles. Rincon Sapiência's critique extends to the broader capitalist system, highlighting its inherent inequalities and the way it shapes human behavior and societal values.