VIRGIL
I've got a wife, four grown children
I can't afford their education
I been a prison guard for fourteen years
That ain't exactly a vacation
WARDEN
Since he's been here he's followed every rule
Well I told you my position
The law says he's got the right to go to school,
We abide by the court's decision
VIRGIL
I got a Winchester 243
I like that gun for deer
Upstate November when the air is free
Smells like hunting season's here
He's the one to keep your eyes on
He's smart yeah and he's quiet
A troublemaker if I ever seen one
Next thing you know it's Attica
And we got a prison riot
There ain't no way that punk gets his degree
And hides behind the Constitution
No way in hell that smart ass spic goes free
Not while I'm in this institution
Guitarra acústica: Paul Simon
Guitarra: Harper Simon y Arlen Roth
Bajo: Tony Garnier
Batería: Shannon Ford
© 1997 Paul Simon y Derek Walcott(BMI)
Disco: Songs From The Capeman
Comentarios: La canción “Virgil” da voz a un guardia de prisión blanco y racista que representa la resistencia del sistema penitenciario y social al intento de redención de Salvador Agrón. A través de un tono country y un lenguaje cargado de prejuicio, Virgil expresa su resentimiento hacia Sal, quien quiere estudiar y rehacer su vida.
Virgil no solo desprecia a Sal por su pasado, sino por ser inteligente, latino y ambicioso. Para él, eso es una amenaza directa a su mundo, sus valores y su lugar dentro del sistema. La canción contrapone su actitud al del alcaide (Warden), que defiende el derecho legal de Sal a educarse.