Buenos Aires Conoce

Alfredo Abalos' song "Buenos Aires Conoce" is a heartfelt ode to the city of Buenos Aires, capturing the intimate relationship between the artist and the city. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life intertwined with the urban landscape, where every corner, every street, and every moment is imbued with personal significance. The song opens with the city knowing the artist's struggles and joys, symbolized by the 'aturdida ginebra' (dizzying gin) and 'gastado camino' (worn path), suggesting a life of both hardship and resilience.

The song continues to explore the deep connection between the artist and Buenos Aires, highlighting the city's role as a witness to his daily life and personal history. The references to 'mi mujer y mi noche' (my woman and my night), 'mi café y mi cigarro' (my coffee and my cigarette), and 'mi comida y mi diario' (my food and my newspaper) emphasize the city's omnipresence in his routine. Buenos Aires is not just a backdrop but an active participant in his life, holding him 'apretado a su nombre' (tight to its name) and 'atrapado en sus calles' (trapped in its streets).

The chorus reflects on the city's dual role as both a refuge and a source of inspiration. Buenos Aires is described as a 'refugio de mis largas madrugadas' (refuge of my long dawns) and 'abrigo de mi verso y de mi sino' (shelter of my verse and my fate), indicating a place of solace and creative fuel. The imagery of 'su cielo de gorrión' (its sparrow sky) and 'su Luna triste' (its sad moon) adds a poetic layer, portraying the city as a living entity that shares in the artist's emotions and experiences.

In the latter part of the song, Abalos delves into the more mystical and enigmatic aspects of Buenos Aires. The city is an 'inventor del misterio' (inventor of mystery) and a 'bandoneón gigantesco' (gigantic bandoneon), evoking the rich cultural and musical heritage of the city. The lyrics also touch on themes of memory and forgetfulness, with Buenos Aires 'presta el olvido de su ir y venir' (lending the forgetfulness of its comings and goings), suggesting a cyclical nature of life and the city's role in it. The song concludes with a sense of belonging and shared existence, as the artist breathes in the city's essence, making it an inseparable part of his identity.