El Bastardo

The song 'El Bastardo' by Los Rehenes delves into the emotional and social struggles of a single mother and her son, who is labeled a 'bastard' by society. The narrative begins with Juanita, the mother, scolding her son for getting into yet another fight. The boy is visibly upset, not just from the physical altercation but from the emotional scars of being called a 'bastard' and the son of a 'loose woman.' This societal judgment stems from the fact that Juanita is a single mother who has never revealed the identity of the boy's father, leading to constant bullying and fights.

Juanita then reveals a harrowing truth to her son: she was raped by a man named Zeferino before she turned fifteen. This traumatic event resulted in her pregnancy, and although Zeferino faced consequences for his actions, the stigma attached to Juanita and her son persisted. Juanita's story is not unique; she mentions that many women around the world suffer similar fates, having their honor forcibly taken from them. These women, including Juanita and her sister Rosa, are often labeled 'Brave Women' because they seek retribution against those who have wronged them.

The song concludes with a touching moment between mother and son. The boy, despite being called a 'bastard,' expresses gratitude for his mother, stating that he doesn't need a father because his mother's love is more than enough. This poignant ending highlights the resilience and strength of both the mother and the son, who find solace and strength in each other despite societal condemnation.