Estrella

Carlos Gardel's song 'Estrella' paints a poignant picture of a young woman living in a poor neighborhood, whose life becomes the subject of gossip and judgment. The lyrics describe her nightly departures and returns, hinting at a life filled with hardship and perhaps scandal. The neighborhood watches her with a mix of curiosity and disdain, as she navigates her existence under the harsh light of their scrutiny. The imagery of 'aurora de cobre y bronce' (copper and bronze dawn) suggests the merging of her dreams with the harsh reality of her daily life, symbolizing the struggle between hope and despair.

The song's chorus reveals the duality of her existence. She is a 'poema de amargura contenido en la dulzura del azul de su mirada' (a poem of bitterness contained in the sweetness of her blue gaze), indicating a deep sadness masked by a gentle exterior. The term 'Estrella' (star) is used metaphorically to describe her as a beacon of hope and forgetfulness, shining brightly yet tragically under a sky filled with lies and champagne. This duality underscores the complexity of her character, as someone who is both admired and pitied, celebrated and mourned.

In the final verses, the neighborhood's perception shifts dramatically after her death. The same people who once judged her harshly now express compassion and regret, acknowledging their mistakes and the harshness of their judgments. This change highlights the often hypocritical nature of societal attitudes, where true appreciation and understanding come too late. Gardel's 'Estrella' serves as a powerful commentary on the human tendency to judge and the profound impact of empathy and understanding.