Sobradinho

Chico César's song 'Sobradinho' poignantly captures the profound impact of human intervention on nature and communities. The lyrics tell the story of the construction of the Sobradinho Dam in Brazil, which led to the flooding of several towns and the displacement of their inhabitants. The opening lines highlight the abrupt changes brought by human actions, as nature is dismantled to make way for a dam, promising transformation but at a significant cost. The reference to the São Francisco River and the prophecy of the sertão (backlands) turning into a sea underscores the inevitability and magnitude of this change.

The chorus, 'E o sertão vai virar mar, dá no coração / O medo que algum dia o mar também vire sertão,' reflects a deep-seated fear and irony. While the sertão turning into a sea symbolizes the flooding caused by the dam, there is also a fear that the sea might one day turn back into a barren land, highlighting the cyclical and unpredictable nature of such transformations. This duality captures the anxiety and uncertainty faced by the affected communities, who are forced to leave their homes and livelihoods behind.

The repeated farewells to towns like Remanso, Casa Nova, Sento-Sé, and Pilão Arcado emphasize the personal and collective loss experienced by the people. The imagery of life being submerged underwater and the gaiola (a type of boat) rising above the waterfall paints a vivid picture of the drastic changes. The song serves as a lament for the lost way of life and a critique of the forced displacement and environmental impact caused by such large-scale projects. Chico César's evocative lyrics and melancholic tone invite listeners to reflect on the consequences of human actions on nature and communities.