80 Tiros (Guadalupe Chorou)

Vinny Santa Fé's song '80 Tiros (Guadalupe Chorou)' is a poignant and powerful commentary on police violence and racial injustice in Brazil. The lyrics vividly depict the tragic consequences of systemic racism and the brutal reality faced by Black individuals in the country. The song opens with a stark comparison, highlighting the absurdity and fatal consequences of mistaking everyday objects for weapons when held by Black people. This metaphor underscores the irrational fear and prejudice that often lead to deadly encounters with law enforcement.

The narrative continues to paint a heartbreaking picture of a family torn apart by violence. The mention of a father leaving his child and a child losing their father emphasizes the personal and communal grief that follows such incidents. The repetition of 'Guadalupe chorou' (Guadalupe cried) serves as a haunting reminder of the collective mourning and the deep scars left on communities affected by these tragedies. The song's title, '80 Tiros,' refers to the 80 bullets fired at a samba musician, symbolizing the excessive and disproportionate use of force.

Vinny Santa Fé's lyrics also touch on the broader societal implications of this violence. The lines 'O mundo sangra todo dia / Pela falta de amor' (The world bleeds every day / For the lack of love) suggest that these acts of violence are not isolated incidents but part of a larger, systemic issue rooted in a lack of empathy and humanity. The song calls for accountability and justice, urging listeners to recognize and address the oppressive structures that perpetuate such violence. Through its raw and evocative storytelling, '80 Tiros (Guadalupe Chorou)' serves as both a tribute to the victims and a call to action for societal change.