19

The song "19" by Gustavo Cerati, a renowned Argentine musician and former leader of the band Soda Stereo, delves into the complexities of young love and the misunderstandings that can arise within it. The lyrics speak to a young woman, referred to as 'nena,' which is a term of endearment akin to 'baby' or 'babe' in English. The age '19' symbolizes a time of youth, exploration, and possibly a carefree approach to relationships, as suggested by the line about her having as many boyfriends as God has had girlfriends, which could be interpreted as an exaggeration to express her popularity or the fleeting nature of her romantic encounters.

The repeated lines where the singer insists that he did not intend to 'kill' what they had suggests a metaphor for a deep misunderstanding that led to the end of their relationship. The phrase 'yo no quise matar lo nuestro' (I did not want to kill what we had) emphasizes the singer's regret and his desire to clarify that any harm caused was not intentional. The mention of a 'genial plan' that he refuses to confess adds a layer of mystery and perhaps hints at an attempt to salvage the relationship that went awry.

Overall, the song captures the emotional turbulence of young love, where intentions are often misread and actions misinterpreted, leading to unintended consequences. Cerati's poetic lyrics and emotive delivery often explore themes of love, loss, and the human condition, and "19" is a reflection of these recurring motifs in his work.