Musician and humanitarian psychologist Raul Manarte, who is back in Gaza for a new humanitarian mission, has just released the song “O Corpo às Balas,” inspired by the intense experience he had during his previous mission in Gaza, between November and December 2024.
This song features a special appearance by Palestinian singer and friend Mahmoud Abdel Salam, who lives in Gaza and, even in hospital settings, brings music and relief to patients.
Quoting Raul Manarte, “Mahmoud sings every day in the hospital, enters patients’ rooms, and does the impossible: he lifts people out of their pain for a few moments. When we spoke again, now from a distance, I told him I wanted him to sing this song with me. And he accepted. We recorded far apart, me in Portugal and him in Gaza. I think that despite the distance, his voice brings us closer to Gaza in such an intense and real way that I would never have been able to do it alone otherwise.”
Raul Manarte, who is returning to Gaza for a new mission, says that “I was in two hospitals in the Gaza Strip for a month and a half, working as a manager of mental health activities.”
Although he has already completed numerous missions around the world, this was his first in that region.
“Corpo às Balas” is a way of processing the unspeakable. According to Raul Manarte, “This song wasn’t written to explain Gaza. It was just my way of dealing with things while I was there. But perhaps, with Mahmoud’s voice, we can do the impossible again: bring those who aren’t here to experience a little of what’s experienced here in Gaza.” The song doesn’t attempt to simplify pain or create slogans. Rather, it proposes an intimate gesture, a space for listening and presence, where each verse carries memory, astonishment, and humanity. A message that transcends distances.
For Raul Manarte, “O Corpo às Balas” isn’t a political cry; it’s an emotional body that wants to cross over. If those who listen feel even an echo of what Mahmoud did there, perhaps they too will want to change something. Mission accomplished.”
- Composition and vocals: Raul Manarte
- Guest vocals: Mahmoud Abdel Salam (recorded from Gaza)
- Production and mixing: Raul Manarte and Rodolfo Cardoso
- Mastering: Miguel Pinheiro Marques
- Video: Raul Manarte
- Worldwide distribution: CD Baby
LYRICS – The Body to the Bullets
Ponto número um: respira fundo.
E só depois, vem o dois
Dá um passo atrás aqui já dá pra ver
As estrelas, acabaste por esquecê-las
Com os a teus olhos no chão
Se a onda parar
Volta a tentar, volta a tentar
Se a onda parar
Volta a tentar, volta a tentar
Entre o mar, contra a espada
Entre o bem e o mal
No Natal passei só pra te ver
Mas já não estavas.
De tanto dar o corpo às balas
já nem tens corpo nenhum
Grito aos que ficam
Minto aos que gritam:
“Ninguém vai ficar só
Contra a noite que te cobre
Há uma luz que nunca morre
Há Mães que vão voltar do pó”.
Se a onda parar
Volta a tentar, volta a tentar
Se a onda parar
Volta a tentar, volta a tentar
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