El Penado 14

Agustin Magaldi's song "El Penado 14" tells a poignant and sorrowful story of a prisoner, known only as 'Penado 14,' who meets his end in a distant, dark cell. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of his final moments, filled with despair and longing. The prisoner dies making gestures that no one understands, highlighting his isolation and the lack of empathy from the prison guards. This imagery sets a somber tone, emphasizing the loneliness and neglect experienced by the incarcerated individual.

The song delves deeper into the prisoner's suffering by describing a letter he left behind. The letter, filled with heart-wrenching phrases, moves even the most hardened inmates, including a fratricide who has never known love. This detail underscores the profound emotional impact of the prisoner's words and the universal longing for human connection and compassion, even among those who have committed grave crimes.

In his letter, the prisoner makes a final, desperate plea to see his mother before he dies. He wishes to give her one last kiss on her wrinkled forehead, referring to her as his 'first love.' This request is a powerful testament to the enduring bond between mother and child, even in the face of death. The song concludes with the prisoner’s life slipping away, his last thoughts consumed by the memory of his mother. The wind carries away his sorrowful voice, leaving a haunting reminder of his unfulfilled wish and the deep emotional scars of his life.