1406

The song '1406' by Mamonas Assassinas is a satirical take on consumerism and the desire for material wealth. The Brazilian band, known for their humorous and irreverent style, uses a mix of Portuguese and intentionally incorrect English to mock the obsession with money and luxury items. The lyrics tell the story of someone who aspires to live in an upscale apartment but ends up in a shack, highlighting the gap between dreams and reality. The repeated chorus, 'Money, que é good nós num have,' which translates to 'Money, which is good we don't have,' emphasizes the lack of financial resources while poking fun at the desire for material possessions.

The song also touches on the societal pressure to own certain status symbols, as seen in the verses about the singer's family members longing for expensive items like airplanes, diamond necklaces, and imported cars. The humor is further amplified by the absurdity of the singer's bad luck, as illustrated by the line 'Se der uma chuva de Xuxa, no meu colo cai Pelé,' meaning 'If it rains Xuxa [a famous Brazilian TV host], Pelé [the soccer legend] falls into my lap,' suggesting that even in a hypothetical situation of good fortune, the singer would still end up with the short end of the stick.

Mamonas Assassinas' '1406' is not just a comedic song; it's a social commentary on the relentless pursuit of wealth and the unrealistic expectations set by society. The band's playful language and exaggerated scenarios serve as a critique of consumer culture and the notion that happiness is tied to material success. The song remains relevant as it addresses themes that are still prevalent in today's society.