Echoless voices from Brazil’s Northeast: constructs of resistance against environmental degradation

Abstract

This article emphasizes the voices against environmental degradation, focusing on flora, fauna and natural environments, using the poetry embodied in the lyrics of music from the northeastern region of Brazil. It is assumed that such poetry could be viewed as the musicians from this region denouncing the serious problem related to environmental depletion in Brazil and, therefore, that pro-ecological movements might use it in their activist actions. The study used the ecologically rich contents of five songs: Saga of Amazonia, Song of the Forest, Wood Slaughter, Water and Nature. The evidence showed that there is a strong denouncing content in the lyrics and, in conclusion, it is suggested that the voices of resistance must be considered as of crucial importance to the preservation of biodiversity and environmental activist movements in Brazil.