Mama a Los 15
Juana Fe
The Silent Struggles of Teenage Motherhood
Juana Fe's song "Mama a Los 15" delves into the poignant and often overlooked struggles of a young girl who becomes pregnant at the age of fifteen. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of her attempts to hide her pregnancy, the societal judgment she faces, and the lack of support from various institutions. The song begins by describing how she hides in the shadows of old passageways, trying to conceal her growing belly under a school uniform. Despite her academic success, symbolized by a high grade, she carries the weight of an impending motherhood that she is not prepared for.
The narrative continues with the girl seeking guidance from different figures of authority, including a priest, a lawyer, and a science teacher. Each of these figures offers her advice that is either condemning or dismissive, highlighting the societal prejudices and lack of understanding towards young mothers. The priest labels her situation as sinful, the lawyer speaks of legalities, and the science teacher criticizes the recklessness of youth. These interactions underscore the isolation and judgment she faces, as those who judge her have never experienced the love, pain, and the life growing inside her.
The song reaches a tragic climax when the girl is found lifeless, with a heart drawn in her school bag, symbolizing her unfulfilled dreams and the love that was never realized. The repeated refrain emphasizes that those who judge have never felt the heartbeat of a child within them and are entangled in their prejudices. The song concludes with a powerful critique of societal hypocrisy and the failure of institutions like the church and the state to support her. It calls for unity and faith among the marginalized, urging them to move forward despite the hardships.