Canção da Floresta

Zé Ramalho's song "Canção da Floresta" is a poignant and urgent call to action for the preservation of the natural world. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the destruction of forests and the dire consequences that follow. Ramalho begins by highlighting the tragic loss of trees and indigenous lives, emphasizing that the future is in jeopardy if we continue to ignore the need for shade and shelter that forests provide. He implores listeners to think of God and alert the world to prevent the death of the forest.

The song uses powerful metaphors to describe the devastation caused by deforestation. Ramalho refers to it as a monstrous force that tramples nature, leaving behind scars in the form of burn marks. These wounds, inflicted by humans, are a testament to the harm we have caused to the earth. He urges people to take action by planting trees, nurturing the soil, and listening to the birds, symbolizing the forest's plea for survival. The imagery of the forest crying and the nature begging not to be killed is a stark reminder of the consequences of our actions.

Ramalho also touches on the spiritual and moral implications of environmental destruction. He describes the sound of falling cedars as if they were groaning in pain, seeking compassion from the cruel hands that felled them without necessity. He warns that when God notices the absence of a once-standing tree, humans might try to blame the axe, but God will question who sharpened it. This metaphor underscores the responsibility humans bear for their actions. The song concludes with a reminder of the intrinsic value of fauna and flora, far surpassing that of gold. Ramalho calls for respect and care for nature, urging us to listen to indigenous voices, clean rivers, and cherish the forest as a divine creation.