Chiquilín de Bachín

The song 'Chiquilín de Bachín' by Astor Piazzolla is a poignant narrative that paints a vivid picture of a young street child's life in the urban landscape. The lyrics describe the child, referred to as 'Chiquilín,' selling roses at night in a local bar, the 'boliche de Bachín.' The imagery of 'caras sucias' (dirty faces) and 'angelito con bluyín' (little angel in jeans) evokes a sense of innocence tainted by the harsh realities of street life. The child's daily struggle is underscored by the metaphor of being woken up by a 'seis de enero' (January 6th, the Day of the Epiphany) with a reversed star, symbolizing lost hope and dreams that have been turned upside down.

The chorus, where Chiquilín asks for a 'ramo de voz' (bouquet of voice), suggests a plea for recognition and a means to express his plight, selling his 'vergüenzas en flor' (shames in bloom) as if they were flowers. The request to be shot with 'tres rosas' (three roses) that hurt is a metaphor for the pain of understanding the hunger that others do not see. This line reflects the child's desire for empathy and the harshness of his experiences. The song also touches on the theme of lost childhood, as Chiquilín is described as an 'extraño' (strange man) and a 'niño de mil años' (thousand-year-old child), suggesting that his life on the streets has aged him beyond his years.

Astor Piazzolla, known for his revolutionary tango compositions, infuses this song with a deep sense of melancholy and social commentary. The music likely complements the lyrics with Piazzolla's signature dramatic and emotive style, using the bandoneón to convey the complex emotions of the narrative. 'Chiquilín de Bachín' is not just a song but a story that sheds light on the struggles of marginalized children, urging listeners to empathize with their plight.