Palavra de Honra

The song 'Palavra de Honra' by Tião Carreiro e Pardinho is a poignant reflection on the erosion of honor and integrity in contemporary society. The lyrics lament the shift from a time when a man's word was his bond, to an era where promises are easily broken and moral values are often disregarded. The song opens with a stark observation that every man has his price and every saint has his day, setting the stage for a critique of the changing moral landscape.

In the past, the song suggests, a man's word was more valuable than money. Deals were sealed with a simple gesture, such as pulling a hair from one's beard, rather than with legal documents. This imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when trust and personal honor were paramount. The lyrics emphasize that once a man gave his word, he would never go back on it, even if it meant facing significant risks. This stands in stark contrast to the present, where the concept of a 'word of honor' has lost its significance.

The song also critiques the moral decay in modern society, where the integrity of some men is treated as a joke. It describes how people often retract their statements out of fear, and how the once-solid concept of honor has become as fragile as ice. The lyrics mourn the loss of tradition and the degradation of family honor, as the younger generation abandons the values inherited from their forebears in their quest for personal gain. The song concludes with a powerful image of people striving for lofty heights while leaving their morals behind, highlighting the disconnection between ambition and ethical conduct in today's world.