Trabalhador
Seu Jorge
The Struggles of the Brazilian Worker
Seu Jorge's song 'Trabalhador' paints a vivid picture of the daily grind faced by Brazilian workers. The lyrics delve into the relentless hustle and bustle of everyday life, where individuals must navigate the challenges of low wages, job insecurity, and the constant threat of unemployment. The song opens with a depiction of the early morning routine, highlighting the cold lunchboxes and the strict schedules that start at seven in the morning. The boss's intolerance for tardiness underscores the precarious nature of their employment.
The chorus emphasizes the diverse range of professions that make up the Brazilian workforce, from dentists and gas station attendants to police officers and firefighters. It also poignantly points out the irony of highly educated individuals, such as engineers, working in menial jobs like street sweeping. This reflects the broader socio-economic issues in Brazil, where education does not always guarantee a better job or financial stability. The repetition of 'Trabalhador brasileiro' serves as a powerful reminder of the shared struggles and resilience of these workers.
The song further explores the financial hardships faced by these workers. Despite their hard work, their salaries are insufficient to meet their needs, and unemployment is not a viable option either. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and hopelessness, as the workers' lives continue without improvement. The final verses add a personal touch, with a worker pleading for a job to support his family, highlighting the desperation and the human cost of unemployment. Seu Jorge's 'Trabalhador' is a poignant commentary on the socio-economic challenges faced by the working class in Brazil, resonating with many who experience similar struggles daily.