Revoluções por Minuto
RPM Lyrics

The lyrics of RPM's song Revoluções Por Minuto reflect the social and political context of Brazil in the 1980s. The song starts by mentioning "Sinais de vida no país vizinho" (signs of life in the neighboring country), referring to the end of the military dictatorship in Argentina and the return of democracy. This evokes a sense of hope and possibility for change in Brazil. The singer of the song then receives news from Brasília, the capital city, which contains rumors of guerrilla warfare and a national state of emergency. The lyrics suggest a climate of political unrest and tension, with the possibility of violent conflict.

The chorus then describes a shift in Brazilian society: "Viola o canto ingênuo do caboclo" (breaking the naive song of the rural worker) and "Caiu o santo do pau oco" (the hollow saint fell down). These lines suggest a disillusionment with traditional values and symbols, which were used by the dictatorship as propaganda, but now were being exposed as false. The singer also receives news of people attempting desperate actions, such as jumping off planes and bridges, due to frustrations with the long waiting lines and economic difficulties. This reflects the social inequality and disaffection prevalent in Brazilian society at that time.

The final verse mentions the North Island (likely referring to Cuba) and the preparations for a dance of death, as well as the appearance of pirated discs and videos. The line "Agora a China bebe Coca-Cola" (Now China drinks Coca-Cola) hints at the globalization and cultural changes taking place in Brazil. The song ends with the repeated word "tem", meaning "there is", suggesting the multitude of things happening all at once.