Chorra
Carlos Gardel
The Bitter Lament of a Scammed Heart
The song "Chorra" by Carlos Gardel, a prominent figure in the tango genre, is a narrative of betrayal and deception. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been swindled by a woman he loved, referred to as 'chorra,' which is a slang term in Rioplatense Spanish for thief or swindler. The man recounts how his generosity and trust were exploited, leading to his financial ruin. He laments that in a mere six months, the woman managed to squander his small business and savings, leaving him destitute and heartbroken.
The song's protagonist expresses his disillusionment with love and women, as his experience has left him wary and suspicious. The betrayal runs even deeper as he discovers that the woman's supposed nobility and the honorable death of her warrior father were all lies. In reality, her mother is a notorious thief, and her father is a criminal, not a deceased war hero. This revelation adds to his sense of foolishness for being so easily deceived.
"Chorra" is not just a story of personal misfortune; it reflects a broader social commentary on deceit and the consequences of blind trust. Gardel's emotive delivery of the song conveys the pain and anger of being taken advantage of, a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has ever felt cheated or misled. The song's narrative is a cautionary tale, warning listeners to guard their hearts and be skeptical of appearances.