Until April 25, 2024, BLITZ publishes a list of 50 songs published after the Carnation Revolution, in the atmosphere of freedom that resulted from it. Of political, social or environmental intervention, with a sharp word and refined aim, of mere observation, criticism or strong protest, from punk to hip-hop, from rock to Portuguese popular music. The texts are signed by Rui Miguel Abreu, a long-time BLITZ collaborator. Every day, this list will receive a new song.
23. ‘Soldado’, from the Besieged (1992)
Upon their debut, in 1992, with an album of the same name, the band of João Aguardela and Sandra Baptista – the two faces that adorned the cover – won over critics and the public with songs of clear engagement that still did not neglect a clear pop appeal. Which meant that in the same line-up it was possible to find a ‘Vida de Marinheiro’ – which translated into Portuguese the festive spirit of the Pogues with a chorus capable of raising dust in all the Queimas das Fitas in the country – and also a heartfelt song like ‘ Soldado’ – with a more ballad tune and nostalgic accordion on which the now-disappeared João Aguardela sang words with a strong emotional impact in his voice, with clear drama in his voice: “In the eyes, the same pain/ In the chest, the same fear/ Oh, I feel this fire burning , inside me!/ Freedom where are you going?/ Freedom where do you fall?” And then the honest declaration of intentions: “This fight is for loving you/ This blood is for loving you/ It is for loving you.”
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