Cabidela

Seu Pereira e Coletivo 401's song 'Cabidela' paints a vivid and harrowing picture of life in the impoverished areas of Brazil. The lyrics are a raw commentary on the daily struggles faced by those living in the sertão, favelas, and suburbs. The recurring imagery of blood and bullets juxtaposed with hunger and poverty highlights the brutal reality of survival. The line 'Cheiro de sangue, rastro de bala' (Smell of blood, trail of bullets) sets a grim tone, emphasizing the violence that permeates these communities. However, the artist suggests that the sight of a hungry family is even more disturbing than the violence itself, underscoring the desperation that drives people to extreme measures.

The song delves into the cyclical nature of poverty and violence. The mention of children growing up to become criminals ('Hoje é um pedinte, amanhã um ladino') and the police's role in perpetuating this cycle ('A polícia matando, traficante vendendo') paints a bleak picture of a society trapped in a vicious cycle. The reference to 'Morte e vida Severina,' a famous Brazilian poem by João Cabral de Melo Neto, further emphasizes the theme of life and death in harsh conditions. The song's title, 'Cabidela,' refers to a traditional Brazilian dish made with chicken blood, symbolizing the omnipresence of blood and violence in the daily lives of these communities.

The lyrics also touch on the indifference and neglect faced by the poor. The repeated plea to name children who died of starvation ('Agora eu quero que tu diga o nome de cinco meninas') serves as a poignant reminder of the forgotten lives lost to poverty. The imagery of a makeshift coffin ('Pega um caixote, faz um caixão') and the burial in the 'cova do esquecimento' (grave of forgetfulness) highlights the societal neglect and the ease with which these lives are overlooked. The song's repetitive structure and haunting refrain of 'cheiro de sangue' (smell of blood) drive home the relentless and pervasive nature of these issues.

'Cabidela' is a powerful social commentary that forces listeners to confront the harsh realities of life for the marginalized. It challenges the audience to acknowledge the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and violence and to reflect on their own role in this societal structure.