He was considered the "ambassador" of the Favelas ( Brazilian Shanty Towns ). He was the singer of the Malandragem.
Bezerra was knowledgeable about life in the favelas, and the songs he sang are filled with slang terms having to do with drug dealing, the law, etc., and are often humorous. Later in life, not long before his passing, Bezerra gave up this life and became an evangelical Christian.
Pega Eu
Bezerra da Silva Lyrics
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ão tá de olho em mim,
O delegado tá de olho em nós,
Mas eu tô de olho é no dinheiro,
Pega eu! Pega eu!
These lyrics depict a story of a person who is being watched by multiple people including a thief and a police officer but is only focused on making money. The repetition of "Pega eu" (meaning "catch me") at the end of each line highlights the daring and rebellious nature of the singer who is not afraid of getting caught.
The line "o delegado tá de olho em nós" (meaning "the police officer is watching us") portrays the corrupt nature of the police system prevalent in Brazil during the time the song was released. Bezerra da Silva used this song and many others as a medium to criticize the government and to shed light on the harsh living conditions of the poor and the working-class population in Brazil.
The song's call-and-response structure and the use of "Pega eu" as a catchy phrase have made it a popular anthem at parties and festivals in Brazil. The song's upbeat rhythm and lyrics expressing the rebellious spirit have also led to its use in various films and TV shows.
Contributed by Maya G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.