Foice translates to "scythe", a tool with a long, curved blade used for mowing grass or harvesting crops. It's a striking and somewhat archaic word not commonly found in everyday conversation or pop songs.
In the context of the song, "Ă a foice nos maus tratos" (It's the scythe on the mistreatment), the word is used metaphorically. It evokes an image of cutting away or eliminating mistreatment and injustice, suggesting a powerful and decisive action against negativity. This strong imagery makes it a memorable and impactful word choice.
In "Foice," which means "Scythe" in English, Vanessa da Mata creates a powerful anthem of resilience and justice. The song is like a protective shield, pushing away negativity ("If you give me the evil eye, I didn't even see it") and cutting down mistreatment with a symbolic scythe. It paints a vivid picture of everyday struggles in Brazil, from a woman carrying spoiled bananas from the market to the frustration with corrupt politicians and a failing system where the nation's wealth is sent abroad.
Amidst this chaos, the song offers a guide to survival. It lists traditional folk remedies for stress-related illnesses like insomnia and gastritis, reminding us to stay sane and healthy ("In this mess, you have to be sane"). The lyrics are also a powerful call for spiritual protection, blending references from both Catholicism (like Nossa Senhora) and Afro-Brazilian religions (like the deities XangĂŽ and Oxum). It's a call to stand up against racism and injustice, seeking divine justice to overcome the evils of the world.
Vanessa da Mata is one of Brazil's most beloved singer-songwriters, known for her warm voice and her blend of MPB (Popular Brazilian Music) with pop, soul and reggae. Born in 1976 in the small town of Alto Garças, in the state of Mato Grosso, she taught herself music while growing up on a rich mix of Brazilian classics and international sounds. Over the 2000s she became a household name in Brazil, and she has since won a Latin Grammy Award and published her own novels.
"Boa Sorte / Good Luck" comes from her 2007 album "Sim" and is a duet with the American musician Ben Harper. She sang the melody to him over the phone, and he answered her Portuguese verses in English, giving the song its striking bilingual back and forth. The single reached number one in both Brazil and Portugal and opened the door to her international career.