El Bulin de La Calle Ayacucho

Aníbal Troilo's song 'El Bulin de La Calle Ayacucho' is a poignant reflection on nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time. The term 'bulín' refers to a small, modest room or apartment, often used by young men in Buenos Aires for social gatherings. The song paints a vivid picture of a once lively and joyous place on Ayacucho Street, where friends would gather to play cards, drink, and enjoy music. The lyrics evoke a sense of camaraderie and youthful exuberance, with mentions of a guitar, hot mate, and a singer with a raspy voice, all contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the bulín.

However, the song takes a melancholic turn as the narrator reflects on how the bulín has changed. The once bustling room is now described as 'mistongo y fulero' (shabby and sad), and the joy that once filled the space has been replaced by silence and sorrow. The narrator's friends have drifted away, and he is left alone, consumed by his own grief and memories. The imagery of the 'primus' (a type of stove) no longer boiling water for mate symbolizes the end of an era and the loss of the simple pleasures that once brought the group together.

The song also touches on personal loss, with the narrator reminiscing about a past love who brought warmth and happiness to his life. The mention of her departure 'hasta el cielo de un vuelo se fue' (she flew to the sky) suggests her death, adding another layer of sorrow to the narrative. Through its evocative lyrics and melancholic tone, 'El Bulin de La Calle Ayacucho' captures the universal themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the pain of losing loved ones, making it a deeply moving piece of music.