No Se Inglés

Pappo's song 'No Se Inglés' tells a poignant and tragic story set against the backdrop of a language barrier. The protagonist is a road hero, a figure who seems to embody freedom and adventure, until a fateful day when he accidentally hits a girl in blue outside a high school. This incident sets off a chain of events that highlight his helplessness and confusion, exacerbated by his inability to speak English. The repeated phrase 'chica de azul' (girl in blue) underscores the innocence and tragedy of the victim, making the accident even more heart-wrenching.

The chorus, 'Perdóneme, señor, inglés no entiendo,' (Forgive me, sir, I don't understand English) captures the protagonist's desperate plea for understanding and forgiveness. He explains his terrible confusion, rooted in his Argentine background and lack of English proficiency. This language barrier becomes a metaphor for his broader sense of dislocation and helplessness. The line 'esa chica divina, perdió su vida, lamento, en mi capot' (that divine girl lost her life, I regret, on my hood) is a stark admission of guilt and sorrow, further deepening the emotional impact of the song.

The song also touches on themes of economic struggle and systemic injustice. The protagonist can't even afford bail, highlighting his financial desperation. He feels trapped 'entre la espada y la pared' (between a rock and a hard place), a phrase that vividly conveys his dire situation. The final lines, filled with frustration and resignation, criticize the superficiality of consumer culture and the protagonist's own sense of alienation. The repeated phrase 'no se inglés' (I don't know English) becomes a powerful statement about the barriers that divide us, both linguistically and culturally.