Manu Chao, born José-Manuel Thomas Arthur Chao on June 21, 1961, in Paris, … Read Full Bio ↴Manu Chao, born José-Manuel Thomas Arthur Chao on June 21, 1961, in Paris, France, is a multifaceted musician celebrated for his eclectic musical style and socially conscious lyrics. Chao's musical journey began in the vibrant Parisian music scene, where he immersed himself in diverse influences ranging from punk and rock to reggae and salsa. Co-founding the band Mano Negra in 1987, Chao showcased his knack for blending genres, resulting in international acclaim with albums like "Patchanka" (1988) and "Casa Babylon" (1994). Following the dissolution of Mano Negra in 1995, Chao embarked on a prolific solo career, marked by albums such as "Clandestino" (1998) and "Próxima Estación: Esperanza" (2001), where he continued to push musical boundaries while addressing social and political issues. Incorporating elements of street music and bar scenes from various cultures, Chao formed Radio Bemba Sound System, collaborating with musicians from Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina to create a vibrant fusion of sounds. His innovative use of technology, including recording exclusively on a laptop, reflects his commitment to artistic experimentation. Through his music, Chao has championed themes of cultural diversity, social justice, and global solidarity, earning him a revered status as a visionary musician and cultural ambassador.

Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manu_Chao

Discography
Clandestino (1998)
Próxima Estación: Esperanza (2001)
Radio Bemba Sound System (2002)
Sibérie m'était contéee (2004)
La Radiolina (2007)
Baionarena (2008)

El Dorado
Manu Chao Lyrics

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¿Que paso que paso ?
A caipira planto
¿Que paso que paso ?
A policia llego
¿Que paso que paso ?
O semterra murio
¿Que paso que paso ?
Chacinha no Eldorado

¿Que paso que paso ?
A globo relato
¿Que paso que paso ?
O politico falo
¿Que paso que paso ?
En pizza acabo'
¿Que paso que paso ?
Chacinha no Eldorado

¿QUE PASO QUE PASO ?
Radio Bemba relato'

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "El Dorado" by Manu Chao allude to the cold-blooded murder of Chico Mendes, a Brazilian social activist who fought for the rights of the rubber tappers and peasants in the Amazon rainforest. The lyrics begin with a question, "What happened?" and then shifts to different narrators who respond with particular details of the event. The first stanza mentions a caipira (a rustic Brazilian person) planting, followed by the police arrival, and the death of sem terra (landless) activities. The next stanza talks about the media coverage by Globo (the largest media company in Brazil), followed by the politicians' responses, culminating in the outcome of the case being settled as a pizza party (an expression used in Brazil to denote a sham settlement). The last line of each stanza repeats the whole issue with particular emphasis on the death of Chacinha (a nickname given to Chico Mendes) in Eldorado.

The song highlights that Chico Mendes had made powerful enemies from the cattle ranchers, lumber companies, and other interest groups who did not want their wealth and power being challenged. He had been a thorn in their flesh for years, and Chico's death was the ultimate solution in their minds to remove him as a threat. Manu Chao's "El Dorado" is a tribute to Chico Mendes, who lives in the hearts of people as a martyr who gave his life for the protection of the Amazon rainforest and its inhabitants.

Line by Line Meaning