Novicia

Mercedes Sosa's song 'Novicia' paints a poignant and heart-wrenching picture of a young girl's lost innocence and the harsh realities she faces. The lyrics describe a girl who has crossed the threshold from childhood into a world of exploitation and sorrow. The imagery of her wearing a 'vestidito color ayer' (a dress the color of yesterday) symbolizes her clinging to the remnants of her past innocence. The metaphor of her being 'como una oración de otoño' (like an autumn prayer) suggests a sense of fragility and melancholy, as autumn often represents the end of a cycle and the onset of decay.

The repeated references to her 'leves huesos en cruz' (light bones in a cross) and the 'tipo que la acaricia' (the guy who caresses her) highlight her vulnerability and the predatory nature of those who exploit her. The term 'novicia' (novice) is deeply ironic here, as it traditionally refers to someone who is new to a religious order, symbolizing purity and devotion. In this context, it underscores her tragic fall from innocence and the cruel twist of her being a novice in the world of exploitation.

The song also delves into her emotional turmoil and longing for love, as seen in the lines '¿dónde está su amor, su principito azul?' (where is her love, her blue prince?). This longing is juxtaposed with the 'lunas baratas' (cheap moons) that illuminate her bleak reality, emphasizing the stark contrast between her dreams and her harsh life. The recurring theme of 'bebió su copa de olvido' (she drank her cup of forgetfulness) signifies her attempts to escape her pain, only to find herself trapped in a cycle of despair. Sosa's powerful and emotive delivery of these lyrics adds depth to the narrative, making 'Novicia' a haunting reflection on lost innocence and the search for solace in a world of suffering.