Tiro de Misericórdia 2

João Bosco's song "Tiro de Misericórdia 2" paints a vivid and harrowing picture of a young boy's life in the favelas of Brazil. The lyrics describe the boy's upbringing amidst crime and poverty, likening him to a rat scurrying through alleys and a lizard climbing steep hills. The boy grows up in a world filled with samba circles, religious rituals, and the harsh realities of street life. He becomes a revered figure in his community, a 'god in shorts and flip-flops,' protected by spiritual leaders known as babalaôs.

The song takes a mystical turn as it invokes various orixás, or deities from Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé and Umbanda. These deities, such as Oxolufã, Xangô, and Iemanjá, are depicted as descending to protect the boy. Each orixá brings their unique powers and symbols, from Oxum's golden heart to Iansã's daggers and winds. Despite their divine intervention, the boy and the orixás face overwhelming odds against the forces of evil, represented by 'old archangels' and 'grave diggers of carnival.'

The climax of the song is both tragic and poignant. The boy, despite his spiritual protection, is brutally killed, symbolizing the relentless violence that plagues the favelas. His death is described in graphic detail, emphasizing the brutality and lack of mercy he faced. The song ends with a haunting reflection on abandonment and sacrifice, drawing parallels between the boy's fate and historical figures like Lumumba and Jesus. The final lines suggest a cyclical nature of violence and martyrdom, leaving listeners with a profound sense of sorrow and contemplation.