Quando a maré encher
Cássia Eller Lyrics

The lyrics to Cássia Eller's song "Quando a maré encher" paint a vivid picture of life in a favela, or Brazilian shantytown, during times of hardship. The first verse describes the singer's actions as they venture out into the streets of the favela to find something to do, something to eat, and something to occupy their time. They mention sniffing glue, playing soccer, and watching the cars speed by. But the most striking line in this verse is "Tomá banho de canal quando a maré enchê," which translates to "Take a canal bath when the tide comes in." This line highlights the difficulties faced by those living in favelas, where they are often exposed to unsanitary living conditions and environmental hazards.

The second verse begins by highlighting the resourcefulness of those living in the favela. They use whatever materials they can find, like stones, wood scraps, plastic bags, nails, and cardboard boxes, to build makeshift homes. These homes are often referred to as "barracos" and are a common sight in many Brazilian favelas. The verse also mentions the presence of animals like dogs, cats, and chickens, as well as pests like fleas. Despite these challenges, however, the favela residents live in harmony with one another, and their daily routines include basic necessities like a bathroom, a bed, and a kitchen on the ground.

Overall, "Quando a maré encher" offers a poignant reflection on the struggles facing the residents of Brazilian favelas. It is a testament to their resilience, resourcefulness, and ability to find hope and joy in the midst of difficult circumstances.