Ladrillo

The song 'Ladrillo' by Juan Andrés Caruso tells a poignant story of a man named Ladrillo who finds himself in prison, serving an unjust sentence despite having acted in self-defense. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Ladrillo's life before his incarceration, highlighting his good nature and the love he received from his community. He is described as a hardworking and simple man, beloved by his neighbors and especially by the children, to whom he would give coins as he passed by. His absence is deeply felt in the neighborhood, where his serenades are no longer heard, and the children miss their dear friend.

The narrative takes a sorrowful turn as it describes the regular visits of an old woman, presumably Ladrillo's mother, who brings him small packages. The children, curious and hopeful, ask her when Ladrillo will be released, to which she can only respond that only God knows. This interaction underscores the sense of helplessness and the slow passage of time for those waiting for justice to be served.

The song reaches its emotional climax as it recounts the event that led to Ladrillo's imprisonment. On the day he was to celebrate his engagement, a troublemaker harassed his beloved. In a moment of desperation and to protect his love, Ladrillo engaged in a duel and ended up killing the aggressor. Despite his actions being in defense of his fiancée, the judges failed to understand his motives and condemned him. This tragic tale reflects themes of injustice, the harsh realities of the legal system, and the deep emotional scars left on a community when one of its own is wrongfully punished.