Capim Guiné

Raul Seixas' song 'Capim Guiné' paints a vivid picture of rural life in Brazil, filled with both the beauty and the challenges of farming. The lyrics describe the hard work and dedication required to cultivate a piece of land in the sertão, a semi-arid region in Brazil. Seixas lists various fruits and vegetables he has planted, such as guava, mango, and cassava, showcasing the diversity and richness of the land. This imagery evokes a sense of pride and accomplishment in the face of adversity, as the protagonist has managed to create a thriving farm from scratch.

However, the song takes a turn as Seixas introduces the 'marvadeza' or wickedness that begins to plague the farm. Various animals, such as sparrows, foxes, and monkeys, start causing trouble, disrupting the peace and productivity of the farm. This shift in the narrative highlights the unpredictability and hardships of rural life, where despite one's best efforts, external factors can still wreak havoc. The repeated refrain 'Num planto capim-guiné pra boi abaná rabo' (I don't plant capim-guiné for the ox to swat its tail) underscores the frustration and helplessness felt by the farmer, who sees his hard work being undone by forces beyond his control.

The song also touches on themes of isolation and the lack of support, as the protagonist laments that not even a bird came to help sow the land. This sense of solitude is compounded by the frustration directed at a passive observer, who stands by idly while the farm is overrun by pests. The use of colloquial language and regional expressions adds authenticity to the narrative, making it relatable to those familiar with the struggles of rural life in Brazil. Through 'Capim Guiné,' Raul Seixas captures the resilience, frustration, and irony inherent in the life of a farmer, offering a poignant commentary on the human condition and the relentless challenges of nature.