La puñalada

Celedonio Flores' song 'La puñalada' paints a vivid picture of the gritty and dangerous world of early 20th-century Buenos Aires, particularly in the neighborhood of Palermo. The song tells the story of a tough and well-known man, a 'malevo,' who enters a dance hall with a swagger, only to find himself in a tense and hostile environment. The malevo's reputation precedes him, and the other men in the hall eye him with a mix of disdain and challenge. Despite the tension, the malevo tries to avoid conflict, enduring the silent provocations of the others.

However, the presence of a beautiful woman, who is deeply admired by the local toughs, complicates the situation. Her gaze incites the malevo, pushing him to prove his worth and defend his honor. This sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation. The song describes a duel under the dim light of a kerosene lamp, where two men, driven by pride and the desire to impress the woman, engage in a deadly knife fight. The malevo ultimately plunges his knife into his opponent, driven by the cruel woman's manipulations.

'La puñalada' is a powerful narrative about the themes of honor, pride, and the destructive influence of a femme fatale. The song captures the essence of the tango culture, where dance, love, and violence are intertwined. Flores' lyrics are rich with imagery and emotion, reflecting the harsh realities of life in the barrios of Buenos Aires. The malevo's story is a tragic reminder of how easily honor can lead to violence and how the desire to impress can result in fatal consequences.