Meaning of "Angels With Dirty Faces" by Los Lobos

The song "Angels With Dirty Faces" tells the story of individuals who are faced with challenges and hardships, but continue to persevere with a sense of courage and dignity. The references to broken windows, weeds for hair, and one shoe lost symbolize the physical and emotional scars that the characters carry, while their ability to keep moving forward shows their resilience and determination. The repeated line "And the angels with dirty faces go it alone" highlights the idea of facing obstacles independently, and finding strength within oneself to overcome adversity. The loss of a brother to the "howling wind" represents the inevitability of suffering and loss, but the repeated theme of laughter and moving on shows a deep sense of acceptance and strength in the face of hardship. Overall, the lyrics of the song celebrate the inner strength and resilience of those who may appear broken on the outside but are truly angels with the ability to endure and persevere.