Song meaning of Muros e Grades by Engenheiros do Hawaii

The song "Muros e Grades" by Engenheiros do Hawaii addresses the theme of fear and its impact on our lives in a society filled with violence and superficiality. The lyrics portray the reality of living in big cities, where fear dominates our everyday lives, stripping away our imagination and filling us with emptiness.

The song suggests that in response to this fear, we build walls and fences to protect ourselves. However, these barriers only provide a false sense of security, as they fail to shield us from the meaninglessness of life. The muros (walls) and grades (bars) mentioned represent both physical barriers and metaphorical limitations that prevent us from truly living.

The chorus highlights the superficiality that surrounds us, with days and nights characterized by an empty existence. It points out the scarcity and emptiness that we face, emphasizing that material possessions and social status do not bring fulfillment.

The second verse delves deeper into the absurdity of our existence, describing the illusion of safety that the walls and bars provide. The song explores the consequences of this reality, including the plight of street children and the acceptance of violence as a disguise. It touches on the contradiction of living in a society that both condemns violence yet perpetuates it.

In the end, the song concludes that living in such a way is an absurdity similar to other meaningless pursuits, such as attempting suicide or pursuing power. It challenges the listener to question the status quo and find a different path—one that rejects fear and superficiality in favor of a more meaningful existence.