El Violín de Becho

Alfredo Zitarrosa's song "El Violín de Becho" is a poignant exploration of the relationship between a musician and his instrument, imbued with deep emotional and existential undertones. The song tells the story of Becho, a violinist in an orchestra, whose life and emotions are intricately tied to his violin. The lyrics paint a picture of Becho as a childlike figure, with a face that suggests innocence and a lack of guidance, symbolized by the phrase "cara de chiquilín sin maestra" (face of a child without a teacher).

The violin in the song is more than just an instrument; it is a metaphor for Becho's inner world. The line "Becho toca el violín en la orquesta" (Becho plays the violin in the orchestra) suggests that Becho's music is his way of expressing his pain and love. The violin's sound is described as something that hurts Becho, indicating that his music is a reflection of his emotional struggles. The repeated desire for a violin that is "hombre" (a man) and does not name love or pain suggests Becho's yearning for a simpler, less emotionally fraught existence.

The song also delves into themes of regret and reconciliation. Becho's relationship with his violin is complex; he does not love it, yet he feels a deep connection to it, especially at night when he is alone with his thoughts. The violin becomes a symbol of his past and his unresolved emotions. The imagery of the "mariposa marrón de madera" (brown wooden butterfly) and the "niño violín" (child violin) further emphasizes the delicate and fragile nature of Becho's emotional state. Ultimately, the song suggests that Becho's music, his love, and his pain are all intertwined, making it impossible for him to separate one from the other.

"El Violín de Becho" is a rich, emotional narrative that captures the essence of human vulnerability and the complex relationship between an artist and their art. It speaks to the universal experience of using creativity as a means to navigate and make sense of one's inner turmoil.