Hijo de Ramera
Manolo Galván
The Tale of Unjust Labels in 'Hijo de Ramera'
The song 'Hijo de Ramera' by Manolo Galván tells a poignant story of a young boy who faces social stigma due to his mother's past. The title itself, which translates to 'Son of a Whore,' sets a tone of harsh judgment that the boy encounters. The lyrics open with the boy refusing to go to school because he was called a derogatory name by a peer, which reflects the cruelty of children and the way societal prejudices are passed down through generations.
The mother, upon hearing her son's distress, decides to reveal her painful past. She recounts a story of her youth, where she was a beautiful young girl who was brutally violated by three men while bathing in a river. This traumatic event led to the birth of her son. The mother's narrative is a testament to her strength and resilience, as she chose to raise her child with love despite the circumstances of his conception. She encourages her son to hold his head high and not to be ashamed, as she considers herself a complete mother, not defined by the violence inflicted upon her.
The song addresses themes of sexual violence, societal judgment, and the enduring love of a mother. It challenges the listener to reconsider the labels we assign to people and the stories behind them. The mother's message to her son is one of dignity and self-respect, urging him to rise above the ignorance and hate of others. 'Hijo de Ramera' is a powerful narrative that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and the unconditional love that can triumph over societal scorn.