Operários e Zumbis

In the song "Operários e Zumbis" by Steven Universo, the artist delves into the monotonous and soul-crushing nature of modern work life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a worker who is utterly exhausted and disillusioned by their job. The opening lines, "Tô tão cansada / Desse trabalho / Eu deveria estar de luto," set the tone for the entire song, expressing a deep sense of fatigue and mourning for the time lost to a seemingly pointless occupation. The repetition of the phrase "Somos operários e zumbis" (We are workers and zombies) underscores the dehumanizing effect of the daily grind, likening the workers to mindless, soulless beings.

The metaphor of zombies is particularly striking. Zombies are often depicted as creatures that have lost their humanity, driven only by a basic, insatiable need. In this context, the workers are compared to zombies, crawling for a minimum wage, devoid of joy and purpose. The line "Eu preferia é comer / Cérebro em pó" (I would rather eat powdered brains) adds a darkly humorous twist, suggesting that even the grotesque act of consuming brains would be preferable to the drudgery of their current existence. This metaphor highlights the extreme dissatisfaction and sense of entrapment felt by the worker.

Steven Universo also touches on the mental toll of such a lifestyle. The lyrics mention the stress of daily life and the longing to escape, even if just for a day. The lines "Que vontade de faltar na sexta / Essa noite eu faço hora extra" (I feel like skipping Friday / Tonight I work overtime) reflect the internal conflict between the desire to break free and the harsh reality of needing to survive. The song serves as a poignant commentary on the modern work culture, where the pursuit of a livelihood often comes at the expense of one's mental and emotional well-being.