Malvadeza Durão

Zé Keti's song 'Malvadeza Durão' paints a vivid picture of a character who is both feared and respected in his community. The song opens with the somber news of Malvadeza Durão's death, described with the phrase 'fechou o paletó,' a colloquial expression meaning he has passed away. The imagery of 'quatro velas acesas em cima de uma mesa' (four candles lit on a table) sets a mournful tone, indicating a wake or a vigil for the deceased. The mention of a subscription for his burial suggests that Malvadeza Durão was a man of the people, someone whose community felt compelled to ensure he received a proper farewell.

The song continues to describe Malvadeza Durão as 'valente, mas muito considerado' (brave, but very respected), highlighting the duality of his nature. He was a tough character, perhaps involved in questionable activities, but he was also admired and held in high regard by those around him. The 'céu estrelado, lua prateada' (starry sky, silver moon) and the mention of 'muitos sambas, grandes batucadas' (many sambas, great drumming sessions) evoke a vibrant, lively atmosphere, suggesting that Malvadeza Durão was a central figure in the cultural life of his community.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when it reveals that Malvadeza Durão was killed during a festive moment on the hill ('o morro estava em festa quando alguém caiu'). The fact that he died with a smile on his face ('com a mão no coração, sorriu') adds a layer of poignancy to his story. The final line, 'e o criminoso ninguém viu' (and no one saw the criminal), leaves the listener with a sense of mystery and unresolved tension. This ending suggests that Malvadeza Durão's death was not just a personal loss but a communal one, leaving questions about justice and retribution hanging in the air.