Song meaning of 1675 Pontinha by Deck-Arte

The song "1675 Pontinha" by Deck-Arte, performed by X-Tense, provides a raw and honest depiction of life in the Pontinha neighborhood in Lisbon, Portugal. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggles and realities faced by the residents of this area.

The song begins by describing the neighborhood as a place where the singer wakes up to the sound of a neighbor screaming about committing suicide. It highlights the imbalanced lives and the pseudo-slum environment, where even the sex workers are afraid of their clients. The illusionists of the area are mentioned, referring to those who stretch their money because they don't have enough to make it through the month.

The lyrics also touch upon the primary school children who trade their toys for marijuana, making it seem as if the popular toy brand Chicco now manufactures tobacco. It suggests that parents are unaware that their children are involved in drug use. The neighborhood is portrayed as a place where lives are consumed by drugs, and the people are trapped in a cycle of addiction.

The song further explores the socioeconomic divide in the neighborhood, where the poorer classes scavenge through the trash to furnish their homes. It contrasts this with the idea that the human trash, referring to those who engage in criminal activities, never dies but remains in the neighborhood. The lyrics also touch upon racial confusion and the persistence of racism, suggesting that getting pregnant at 15 is not a problem, but being born black worsens the situation.

The song criticizes the lack of opportunities and the struggles faced by the youth in the neighborhood. It mentions how children with dull minds put their parents in difficult situations, while the daughters are already planning to become mothers at the maternity ward. It also highlights the irony of praying for natural abortions while the Holy Spirit, who is supposed to grant children, cannot be the father.

The chorus emphasizes the high unemployment rate and the large number of idle individuals in the neighborhood. It suggests that only a few manage to become wealthy, while the majority struggle to make ends meet. The lyrics also mention the prevalence of theft and the consequences faced by those who get caught, with some resorting to begging.

The second verse continues to delve into the realities of life in Pontinha. It mentions the neighbor being arrested for homicide and criticizes society for only focusing on the negative aspects of the neighborhood. The lyrics compare the neighborhood to the movie "City of God" and highlight the presence of underage actors in criminal activities.

The song also mentions the police officers who are considered cool and even have calendars, but until they turn 18, they count their birthdays. It suggests that the people in the neighborhood are not taken seriously and are often overlooked. The lyrics touch upon the prevalence of crime and the desire to follow in the footsteps of their fathers, who may have been involved in criminal activities.

The song concludes by emphasizing that Pontinha is just like any other neighborhood, with similar struggles and challenges. It suggests that the problems faced in Pontinha are not unique and can be found everywhere. The lyrics challenge the notion that the neighborhood is trendy and express a willingness to trade places with anyone who thinks otherwise.

Overall, "1675 Pontinha" offers a gritty and unfiltered portrayal of life in a marginalized neighborhood, shedding light on the struggles, inequalities, and complexities faced by its residents.