Entubado

Ratos de Porão's song "Entubado" is a raw and powerful critique of the socio-political landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Brazil. The lyrics draw a stark comparison between the pandemic and a "gas chamber," highlighting the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, such as the elderly, the poor, and people of color. This metaphor underscores the systemic inequalities that have been exacerbated by the health crisis, where access to resources like oxygen became a matter of life and death, as seen in the tragic situation in Manaus.

The song also delves into the theme of betrayal and deception, as it describes individuals being "entubado" (intubated) and "enganado pelo inimigo" (deceived by the enemy). This can be interpreted as a critique of the government's handling of the pandemic, where misinformation and corruption led to preventable suffering and death. The reference to "Neo Mengeles" evokes the infamous Nazi doctor Josef Mengele, suggesting that the actions of those in power are akin to human experimentation, with the public as unwilling subjects.

Corruption is a recurring theme in "Entubado," with repeated mentions of "propina" (bribery) and "carnificina" (carnage). These words paint a grim picture of a healthcare system compromised by greed and inefficiency, where medicine has lost its purpose and humanity. The song's relentless repetition of these terms emphasizes the frustration and anger felt by those who have been let down by the institutions meant to protect them. Through its intense and unflinching lyrics, Ratos de Porão captures the despair and outrage of a society grappling with the harsh realities of a pandemic mismanaged by those in power.