Acordo às Quatro

Luiz Gonzaga's song "Acordo às Quatro" paints a vivid picture of the daily life of a rural worker in Brazil. The lyrics begin with the protagonist waking up at four in the morning, a testament to the hard-working nature of rural life. He starts his day with a simple yet affectionate routine: having coffee and sharing a moment of love with his wife and children. This sets the tone for a day filled with labor and dedication, as he heads to work even before the sun rises, appreciating the pure air of his homeland.

The song continues to describe the protagonist's journey to the fields, equipped with his scythe and hoe. The imagery of walking alone, accompanied only by the songs of birds, highlights a serene yet solitary existence. Despite the solitude, the protagonist finds solace in his faith, believing that God is there to support him. This reflects a deep connection to both nature and spirituality, common themes in Gonzaga's music, which often celebrates the rural and traditional aspects of Brazilian life.

A significant part of the song is the protagonist's aspirations for his children. He expresses a strong desire for them to receive an education, something he himself was deprived of. This desire is not just for their personal betterment but also to ensure they follow the 'right path' of literacy and knowledge. The protagonist's determination to fight 'until death' for his children's education underscores the sacrifices and hopes of many rural families. Gonzaga's portrayal of this character is both a tribute to the resilience of rural workers and a call for the importance of education and progress in rural communities.