Cuando Agosto Era 21

“Cuando Agosto Era 21” by Juana Fe is a poignant narrative that delves into the struggles of a young girl facing an unplanned pregnancy. The song paints a vivid picture of her attempts to hide her condition, symbolized by the 'pilares de los viejos pasadizos' (pillars of old passageways), and the societal pressures she faces. The lyrics highlight her innocence and youth, juxtaposed with the harsh realities of her situation, as she navigates through school with a 'siete en la libreta' (a good grade) while carrying a 'cometa' (kite) in her womb, a metaphor for the unborn child who will soon want to fly free.

The song critiques the societal and institutional responses to her predicament. The girl seeks guidance from various figures of authority—a priest, a lawyer, and a science teacher—each of whom offers judgment rather than support. The priest condemns her situation as sinful, the lawyer speaks of legalities, and the science teacher blames the 'inconsciencia de la juventud actual' (the recklessness of today's youth). These responses reflect a lack of empathy and understanding, emphasizing the song's message about the failure of societal institutions to support vulnerable individuals.

The chorus underscores the theme of judgment versus understanding. It points out that those who judge have not felt 'el amor, el dolor, y en el vientre unos latidos' (love, pain, and the heartbeat in the womb). The song criticizes the hypocrisy and prejudice that surround the girl's situation, ultimately leading to her tragic end. The final verses reveal her fate, found 'boca arriba' (face up) with a 'mirada perdida' (lost gaze) and a heart drawn in her school bag, symbolizing her unfulfilled dreams and the love that was never realized. The song concludes with a powerful statement on societal indifference, highlighting how the church, the state, and society at large have failed her, leaving her to navigate 'calles de hipocresía' (streets of hypocrisy) alone.