Desterrado means "banished" or "exiled." It's a strong, evocative word that immediately brings to mind themes of punishment and separation, making it quite memorable.
In the context of the song, it refers to Lucifer being banished from Paradise. This word sets a dramatic tone and is central to the song's narrative about judgment and consequences, making it a compelling choice for a notification.
Silvio Rodriguez, a master of Cuban nueva trova, brings us a thought-provoking song that playfully imagines a world where Lucifer returns to Paradise. The lyrics start by reminding us that "el ángel más hermoso y consentido fue desterrado por contradecir" [the most beautiful and spoiled angel was banished for contradicting]. This banishment, Silvio suggests, is why "a todos los nacidos se nos suele juzgar por discutir" [all of us born are usually judged for discussing].
But what if Lucifer were forgiven? "Si Lucifer volviera al paraíso, si fuera perdonado por la ley" [If Lucifer returned to Paradise, if he were forgiven by the law], Silvio wonders, would he still be the same? He imagines a Lucifer without his pitchfork or disrespect, one who would be "mucha humanidad" [much humanity]. Instead of horns and sulfur, he'd have "un corazón" [a heart]. The song questions the very nature of good and evil, and how much of what we know about Lucifer is just "pasto de indiscretos" [fodder for indiscreet people] and "blanco de impiedad" [a target of impiety]. It's a fascinating look at redemption and the idea that even the most 'evil' among us might just need a little understanding.