Canto Das Três Raças

Paulo César Pinheiro's 'Canto Das Três Raças' is a poignant reflection on the historical suffering and resilience of Brazil's three foundational races: the Indigenous people, Africans, and Europeans. The song begins by highlighting the silent cries of pain that have been a constant in Brazil's history, starting with the Indigenous warriors who were enslaved and forced to sing their sorrow. This sets the tone for a narrative deeply rooted in the country's colonial past and the subsequent struggles of its people.

The lyrics then shift to the African slaves, who expressed their revolt through song in the Quilombo dos Palmares, a refuge for escaped slaves. This part of the song underscores the relentless fight for freedom and the harsh reality that, despite their efforts, the chains of oppression remained unbroken. The mention of the 'inconfidentes,' or the Brazilian revolutionaries, further emphasizes the continuous struggle against tyranny and the quest for liberation that has marked Brazil's history.

The recurring theme of pain in the song is encapsulated in the line 'Todo o povo dessa terra quando pode cantar, canta de dor,' which translates to 'All the people of this land, when they can sing, sing of pain.' This powerful statement reflects the enduring agony and the unfulfilled promise of joy for the Brazilian people. The song concludes with a lament for the worker, whose song, meant to be one of joy, is instead a sob of pain. This final note serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the working class in Brazil, making 'Canto Das Três Raças' a timeless anthem of sorrow and resistance.