Desaparición de Josefina

Patricio Manns' song 'Desaparición de Josefina' is a poignant exploration of loss, memory, and the haunting presence of a loved one who has disappeared. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the absence of Josefina, whose presence has been reduced to a shadow on the walls. The song is set against the backdrop of a city stained with blood, likely referencing the political turmoil and violence in Chile during the Pinochet dictatorship. This historical context adds a layer of depth to the song, as it reflects the pain and uncertainty experienced by many families during this dark period.

The recurring imagery of the crow, a symbol often associated with death and bad omens, underscores the sense of despair and hopelessness. The crow 'breaks' the protagonist's hopes of Josefina's return every Friday, planting seeds of exile in the tracks of trains, which could symbolize the forced disappearances and exiles that were common during the dictatorship. The protagonist's uncertainty about the duration of Josefina's absence—whether it will last years or months—highlights the torment of not knowing the fate of a loved one.

The song also delves into the protagonist's internal struggle and the passage of time. The lines about climbing the highest bodies and biting brief nipples suggest a desperate search for connection and solace in the arms of others, yet these encounters are fleeting and unsatisfying. The protagonist's doubts about the certainty of Josefina's existence and the eventual death of the calendar at seven o'clock symbolize the erosion of hope and the relentless march of time. The final verses, with the imagery of a rifle firing at shadows and a soldier's shadow killing and igniting Josefina's shadow, evoke the brutal reality of state violence and the enduring impact it has on those left behind.