“É sobretudo a lei dessa Infinita highway”: representações de noções de direito no rock de Engenheiros do Hawaii

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the representations of legal notions present in the work of the band Engenheiros do Hawaii, covering the period from 1984 to 2008, demonstrating how Brazilian rock has established itself as a tool for cultural, social, and political reflection. More than a musical genre meant for entertainment, rock— particularly as practiced by the southern Brazilian band—reflects a critical engagement with the historical context in which it emerged, highlighting issues such as freedom, justice, and resistance. The research adopts an interdisciplinary approach, exploring the relationship between music and Law, anchored in historical, legal, and cultural elements that shaped decisive moments in Brazil's history. Using an analytical methodology based on the works of authors like Marcos Napolitano, the study examines aspects such as lyrics, melodies, and the creative context of the songs to identify representations of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and the right to movement. Additionally, it considers elements of criminal responsibility and the principle of presumption of innocence, symbolically and poetically embedded in the band's music. The research seeks to demonstrate that the work of Engenheiros do Hawaii transcends musical art, specifically as a channel of critique against inequalities and imposed repressions. In conclusion, it is argued that Brazilian rock, exemplified by the work of Engenheiros do Hawaii, is more than a reflection of its time: it is a cultural expression that actively contributes to the dialogue with Law, inspiring reflections on freedom, citizenship, and justice. This study reinforces the relevance of music as a source of analysis to identify representations of legal notions.