Diário de Um Detento
Racionais Mc's Lyrics

São Paulo, dia primeiro de outubro de 1992, oito horas da manhã
Time and place set, marking the beginning of yet another day filled with struggles and reflections in the city of São Paulo.

Aqui estou, mais um dia
Facing the monotony and harsh reality of prison life while reconciling with the inevitability of each passing day.

Sob o olhar sanguinário do vigia
Constantly under the watchful and threatening gaze of the guard, a symbol of oppression and authority.

Você não sabe como é caminhar com a cabeça na mira de uma HK
Describing the fear and vulnerability one feels while being targeted by the weaponry of the guards, highlighting the dangers inherent in this environment.

Metralhadora Alemã ou de Israel
Referencing the advanced weaponry used against individuals, emphasizing the violent power dynamic between prison authorities and inmates.

Estraçalha ladrão que nem papel
Illustrating the brutal treatment that criminals receive, likened to the fragility of paper, which can be easily destroyed.

Na muralha, em pé, mais um cidadão José
In the prison yard, standing like another faceless individual, symbolizing the loss of identity among inmates.

Servindo o Estado, um PM bom
Referring to the police officer, representing the state's authority often perceived as morally ambiguous.

Passa fome, metido a Charles Bronson
Despite having power, the officer endures hunger and hardship, pretending to be tough like a celebrated action hero.

Ele sabe o que eu desejo
Implying that the guard is aware of the inmate's desires and struggles for freedom.

Sabe o que eu penso
Indicating that the guard understands the inmate's mindset, implying a psychological surveillance.

O dia 'tá chuvoso o clima 'tá tenso
Reflecting the gloomy weather as a metaphor for the oppressive atmosphere within the prison.

Vários tentaram fugir, eu também quero
Expressing the desperation and longing for freedom shared by many incarcerated individuals.

Mas de um a cem, a minha chance é zero
Acknowledging the overwhelming odds against escape, indicating feelings of hopelessness.

Será que Deus ouviu minha oração?
Questioning spiritual beliefs and seeking divine intervention in a desperate situation.

Será que o juiz aceitou a apelação?
Wondering about the possibility of judicial relief and the uncertainty of legal outcomes.

Mando um recado lá pro meu irmão
Attempting to connect with family through messages, seeking solace and support.

Se tiver usando droga, 'tá ruim na minha mão!
Expressing concern over a family member's well-being, linking drug use to ongoing struggles.

Ele ainda 'tá com aquela mina
Mentioning a friend or family member who is in a potentially precarious romantic situation, suggesting loyalty.

Pode crer, moleque é gente fina
Affirming the character of the friend, suggesting a bond based on trust and mutual respect.

Tirei um dia a menos ou um dia a mais, sei lá
Indifferent to the passage of time in prison, highlighting the disorientation caused by incarceration.

Tanto faz, os dias são iguais
Expressing monotony and despair, where every day feels the same, with no hope for change.

Acendo um cigarro, e vejo o dia passar
Using smoking as a coping mechanism to pass the time, indicating a sense of helplessness.

Mato o tempo pra ele não me matar
Trying to distract oneself from the bleakness of the situation, as time feels like a pervasive threat.

Homem é homem, mulher é mulher
Stating the biological and social definitions of gender in a context where roles can be distorted.

Estuprador é diferente, né?
Highlighting the moral distinctions made within the prison community regarding different types of criminals.

Toma soco toda hora, ajoelha e beija os pés
Detailing the extreme abuse and humiliation faced by certain inmates, particularly those labeled as rapists.

E sangra até morrer na rua 10
Describing the violence inflicted on these individuals as they suffer to the point of death in a designated place in the prison.

Cada detento uma mãe, uma crença
Recognizing each inmate as a person with their own familial backgrounds and belief systems.

Cada crime uma sentença
Implying that every criminal act results in a corresponding punishment, reinforcing the legal system’s harsh reality.

Cada sentença um motivo, uma história de lágrima
Indicating that each sentence reflects a deeper narrative of suffering and personal struggle behind the crime.

Sangue, vidas e glórias, abandono, miséria, ódio
Highlighting themes of violence, tragedy, and societal issues intertwined within the experiences of the inmates.

Sofrimento, desprezo, desilusão, ação do tempo
Capturing the emotional toll of imprisonment, marked by constant suffering and the effects of time.

Misture bem essa química
Suggesting that these elements combine to create the complex realities of prison life.

Pronto, eis um novo detento
Thus, a new inmate emerges from this mix, representing the cycle of incarceration.

Lamentos no corredor, na cela, no pátio
Echoing the constant sounds of pain and suffering heard throughout different parts of the prison.

Ao redor do campo, em todos os cantos
Indicating that suffering permeates every space within the prison, with no escape.

Mas eu conheço o sistema, meu irmão, hã
Claiming an understanding of the oppressive prison system and its rules.

Aqui não tem santo
Stating that this environment lacks innocence or purity; everyone is fighting for survival.

Rá'tá'tá'tá preciso evitar
Expressing urgency to prevent violence, reflecting the constant threat of danger.

Que um safado faça minha mãe chorar
Desiring to protect one's family from suffering, especially from the emotional pain caused by criminal acts.

Minha palavra de honra me protege
Trusting in one's own integrity as a shield against betrayal and harm.

Pra viver no país das calças bege
Describing the bleak and monotonous reality of life in a conforming society, represented by beige pants.

Tic, tac, ainda é 9:40
Telling time in the prison, where every minute drags on endlessly.

O relógio da cadeia anda em câmera lenta
Alluding to how time feels distorted in prison; it's slow and agonizing.

Ratata'tá, mais um metrô vai passar
Referencing the outside world, symbolizing life continuing while one is trapped inside.

Com gente de bem, apressada, católica
Observing the outsiders rushing past, portraying them as seemingly virtuous individuals.

Lendo o jornal, satisfeita, hipócrita
Critiquing the hypocrisy of those who live outside, oblivious to the struggles of inmates.

Com raiva por dentro, a caminho do Centro
Indicating that, beneath their façade, the citizens harbor their own frustrations and discontent.

Olhando pra cá, curiosos, é lógico
Pointing out people's natural curiosity about the prison, often driven by a morbid fascination.

Não, não é não, não é o zoológico
Defending the humanity of prisoners while confronting the perception that likens them to animals.

Minha vida não tem tanto valor
Acknowledging a painful truth—life inside prison feels devalued compared to the outside world.

Quanto seu celular, seu computador
Emphasizing society's misplaced values, prioritizing material possessions over human life.

Hoje, 'tá difícil, não saiu o sol
Expressing ongoing hardships and emotional darkness that feel unrelenting.

Hoje não tem visita, não tem futebol
Describing the disappointment of missing out on both family visits and recreational activities.

Alguns companheiros têm a mente mais fraca
Acknowledging the mental strain that affects some inmates more profoundly than others.

Não suportam o tédio, arruma quiaca
Indicating that some resort to risky or violent actions in an attempt to cope with the unbearable boredom.

Graças a Deus e à Virgem Maria
Attributing hope or survival to divine intervention amidst dire circumstances.

Faltam só um ano, três meses e uns dias
Counting down the time left until release, reflecting a desperate longing for freedom.

Tem uma cela lá em cima fechada
Pointing to the harsh reality of confinement, where some cells remain in use, heightening feelings of claustrophobia.

Desde Terça-feira ninguém abre pra nada
Indicating long periods of neglect and lack of human interaction or support.

Só o cheiro de morte e Pinho Sol
Describing the grim atmosphere rife with decay and despair, mingled with cleaning products.

Um preso se enforcou com o lençol
Communicating the tragic reality of suicide among inmates, driven by desperation.

Qual que foi? Quem sabe? Não conta
Expressing uncertainty about the reasons behind the death, reinforcing the silence surrounding such tragedies.

Ia tirar mais uns seis de ponta a ponta
Suggesting that the deceased faced additional time, signifying the burden of extended sentences.

Nada deixa um homem mais doente
Highlighting the emotional and mental effects of imprisonment.

Que o abandono dos parentes
Pointing to the anguish caused by estrangement from loved ones, deepening feelings of isolation.

Aí moleque, me diz então, cê qué o quê?
Challenging a fellow inmate about their intentions or desires amidst this challenging environment.

A vaga 'tá lá esperando você
Indicating that space in prison is readily available, a constant reminder of the consequences of crime.

Pega todos seus artigos importados
Suggesting to gather all one’s possessions as a precursor to facing the reality of prison life.

Seu currículo no crime e limpa o rabo
Mockingly instructing someone to acknowledge their criminal past while preparing for consequences.

A vida bandida é sem futuro
Stating the inevitability of a bleak outcome for a life dedicated to crime.

Sua cara fica branca desse lado do muro
Describing the pallor of inmates as a physical manifestation of the psychological toll of imprisonment.

Já ouviu falar de Lúcifer?
Referencing the devil to imply a discussion about morality and the consequences of one’s choices.

Que veio do inferno com moral
Indicating that even those seen as morally corrupt can wield power in such a corrupt environment.

Um dia no Carandiru, não ele é só mais um
Positioning the prison setting as a world where every individual becomes just another face in the crowd.

Comendo rango azedo com pneumonia
Describing the inadequate and unhealthy food that contributes to suffering and illness within the prison.

Aqui tem mano de Osasco, do Jardim D'Abril, Parelheiros
Highlighting the diversity of inmates, coming from various neighborhoods, each with their own stories.

Mogi, Jardim Brasil, Bela Vista, Jardim Angela
Continuing to list the backgrounds of inmates, reinforcing the interconnectedness of their struggles.

Heliópolis, Itapevi, Paraisópolis
Recognizing the wide range of social and economic backgrounds that contribute to their incarceration.

Ladrão sangue bom tem moral na quebrada
Stating that reputable thieves are seen as respected figures within their communities.

Mas pro Estado é só um número, mais nada
Indicating that the state views inmates merely as statistics, stripped of their humanity.

Nove pavilhões, sete mil homens
Describing the sheer scale of the prison population and the overcrowding issues it faces.

Que custam trezentos reais por mês, cada
Pointing out the financial burden that inmates place on the state.

Na última visita, o neguinho veio aí
Recalling a recent visit from a friend or family member, creating emotional resonance.

Trouxe umas frutas, Marlboro, Free
Mentioning the gifts received, hinting at the small joys that punctuate prison life.

Ligou que um pilantra lá da área voltou
Indicating communications about others on the outside, reflecting the connections between prison and the outside world.

Com Kadett vermelho, placa de Salvador
Describing a returnee's flashy presence and the desire for status in a world outside of prison.

Pagando de gatão, ele xinga, ele abusa
Highlighting behavior that flaunts bravado and aggressiveness, potentially rooted in insecurity.

Com uma nove milímetros embaixo da blusa
Symbolizing the pervading danger and the constant presence of violence in the lives of those involved in crime.

Aí neguinho, vem cá, e os manos onde é que 'tá?
Addressing a friend or fellow inmate, inquiring about the whereabouts and well-being of others.

Lembra desse cururu que tentou me matar?
Recalling a past confrontation involving attempted harm, underscoring the violence that permeates prison life.

Aquele puta ganso, pilantra corno manso
Using derogatory terms to discuss an individual associated with betrayal and cowardice.

Ficava muito doido e deixava a mina só
Describing reckless behavior that neglects responsibilities, contributing to troubled situations.

A mina era virgem e ainda era menor
Highlighting troubling aspects of victimization, pointing to vulnerability and exploitation.

Agora faz chupeta em troca de pó!
Reflecting the devastating impact of drugs on lives, resulting in desperate measures for survival.

Esses papos me incomoda
Expressing discomfort about the conversations surrounding crime, life, and loss.

Se eu 'tô na rua é foda
Stating that life outside prison poses challenges of its own, suggesting a desire for change.

É, o mundo roda, ele pode vir pra cá
Recognizing the cyclical nature of life and the potential for anyone to end up in similar circumstances.

Não, já, já, meu processo 'tá aí
Implying that change is on the horizon, with hope for potential freedom looming.

Eu quero mudar, eu quero sair
Expressing a deep desire for personal transformation and escape from confinement.

Se eu trombo esse fulano, não tem pá, não tem pum
Indicating that confrontation with certain individuals can lead to violence, emphasizing the risk of conflict.

E eu vou ter que assinar um cento e vinte e um
Signifying that further entanglement with the law awaits if one cannot navigate these challenges carefully.

Amanheceu com sol, dois de outubro
Marking a new day with potential changes amidst the ongoing struggle.

Tudo funcionando, limpeza, jumbo
Describing the routine environment of the prison, where everything operates on a strict schedule.

De madrugada eu senti um calafrio
Recognizing the overwhelming feelings of dread that come quietly in the early hours.

Não era do vento, não era do frio
Indicating that the shivers felt are emotional rather than physical, rooted in the anxieties of prison life.

Acertos de conta tem quase todo dia
Highlighting the ever-present threat of violent payback and unresolved disputes among inmates.

Tem outra logo mais, eu sabia
Instinctively sensing that more confrontations will arise, as tensions run high.

Lealdade é o que todo preso tenta
Expressing the value placed on loyalty among inmates, often leading to unexpected alliances.

Conseguir a paz, de forma violenta
Noting the paradox that the quest for peace often involves violence in such a hostile environment.

Se um salafrário sacanear alguém
Indicating that betrayal among inmates leads to severe consequences.

Leva ponto na cara igual Frankestein
Emphasizing the brutality of retribution, where offenders suffer physical harm disproportionate to their actions.

Fumaça na janela, tem fogo na cela
Describing chaos erupting within the confines of the prison, as tensions escalate.

Fudeu, foi além, se pã, tem refém
Conveying the severe breakdown of order, resulting in hostage situations.

Na maioria, se deixou envolver
Commenting on how many become entangled in situations with no regard for personal safety.

Por uns cinco ou seis que não têm nada a perder
Indicating that a small group of individuals can instigate chaos, representing true danger.

Dois ladrões considerados passaram a discutir
Bringing attention to conflicts among thieves, who might unexpectedly unite against shared animosity.

Mas não imaginavam o que estaria por vir
Alluding to the unexpected consequences of their actions, hinting at forthcoming chaos.

Traficantes, homicidas, estelionatários
Cataloguing the various types of inmates, amplifying the diverse criminal landscape of the prison.

Uma maioria de moleque primário
Describing how many inmates are young and inexperienced in the criminal world.

Era a brecha que o sistema queria
Indicating the systemic oppression that desires such divisions among inmates for control.

Avise o IML, chegou o grande dia
Signaling that tragedy has struck, potentially requiring intervention from the morgue services.

Depende do sim ou não de um só homem
Pointing to the vulnerability of lives resting on the decisions of a single authoritative figure.

Que prefere ser neutro pelo telefone
Commenting on the detachment of authority figures who avoid responsibility, choosing to remain uninvolved.

Ratatatá, caviar e champanhe
Juxtaposing the lavish lives of the elite with the grim reality faced by inmates.

Fleury foi almoçar, que se foda a minha mãe!
Expressing frustration at the indifference displayed by those in power towards inmates and their families.

Cachorros assassinos, gás lacrimogêneo
Highlighting the brutal methods used for control within prisons, such as attack dogs and tear gas.

Quem mata mais ladrão ganha medalha de prêmio!
Critiquing a perverse reward system that values violence and brutality over justice.

O ser humano é descartável no Brasil
Claiming that human life has little worth within the Brazilian society and penal system.

Como modess usado ou Bombril
Comparing the expendable nature of life in prison to disposable products, underscoring the devaluation of human dignity.

Cadeia? Claro que o sistema não quis
Suggesting that the prison system is designed to perpetuate suffering, rather than rehabilitate.

Esconde o que a novela não diz
Urging the audience to recognize the harsh truths that are often glossed over in mainstream narratives.

Ratatatá! Sangue jorra como água
Describing the pervasive violence that leads to bloodshed within prison walls.

Do ouvido, da boca e nariz
Highlighting the brutality of violence, where blood flows freely from multiple wounds.

O Senhor é meu pastor
Alluding to faith as a source of comfort despite the surrounding chaos and violence.

Perdoe o que seu filho fez
Seeking forgiveness for personal sins, indicating guilt and the weight of past decisions.

Morreu de bruços no salmo 23
Imagining a tragic death within the context of faith, referencing the twenty-third psalm's theme of protection.

Sem padre, sem repórter
Indicating abandonment in death, devoid of the usual rituals or witnesses.

Sem arma, sem socorro
Echoing vulnerability in the absence of support or means to protect oneself.

Vai pegar HIV na boca do cachorro
Warning about dangerous encounters leading to severe health consequences, symbolizing lost hope.

Cadáveres no poço, no pátio interno
Revealing the grim reality of death and decay that surrounds prison life.

Adolf Hitler sorri no inferno!
Alluding to the historical evils, indicating that the horrors of the past continue to haunt the present.

O Robocop do governo é frio, não sente pena
Describing the impersonal and ruthless enforcement approach of government authorities.

Só ódio e ri como a hiena
Depicting the malevolence of those in power, as they find amusement in the suffering of others.

Ratatatá, Fleury e sua gangue
Targeting figures in authority who perpetuate the cycle of violence and suffering.

Vão nadar numa piscina de sangue
Imagining the repercussions of their actions, portraying a violent end to their reign.

Mas quem vai acreditar no meu depoimento?
Expressing skepticism about being heard or understood, doubting the value of one's truths.

Dia 3 de Outubro, diário de um detento
Concluding with a reflection of personal experiences and the continuous narrative of life within imprisonment.