Arrumação

Sérgio Reis' song 'Arrumação' paints a vivid picture of rural life in Brazil, capturing the essence of the struggles and resilience of the people living in the countryside. The lyrics are rich with regional dialect and imagery, reflecting the daily challenges faced by farmers and their families. The song opens with a call to action, urging Josefina to come outside and witness the impending storm, which threatens to devastate their crops and livestock. This sets the tone for the song, highlighting the constant battle against nature that rural communities endure.

The recurring refrain, 'Futuca a tuia, pega o catadô, Vamo planta feijão no pó,' emphasizes the importance of perseverance and hard work. It translates to 'Rummage through the barn, grab the hoe, Let's plant beans in the dust,' symbolizing the relentless effort to cultivate the land despite adverse conditions. This line serves as a mantra for the rural folk, reinforcing their determination to keep going even when the odds are against them.

The song also touches on themes of loss and frustration. The mention of 'Mãe Prudença' and the 'ai roxo' (purple garlic) that hasn't been harvested yet, along with the reference to the gypsies who cause damage every year, adds layers of hardship and disappointment. The imagery of the 'sêda branca' (white silk) being taken by the new moon and the 'onça prisunha' (jaguar's claw) further illustrates the unpredictability and dangers of rural life. Despite these challenges, the song's underlying message is one of resilience and the unyielding spirit of the people who continue to work the land, no matter what obstacles they face.