Audacia

Celedonio Flores' song 'Audacia' is a poignant narrative that delves into themes of lost innocence, societal judgment, and the harsh realities of life. The lyrics are a direct address to a young woman who has strayed from the path of virtue, as perceived by the narrator. The song opens with the narrator confronting the woman about her new lifestyle, which involves working as a 'partenaire' in a cabaret, a term that implies a certain level of moral compromise. The narrator's tone is one of disappointment and bewilderment, as he struggles to understand her choices and the allure of the 'bacán'—a wealthy man who has seemingly led her astray.

The song is rich with cultural references, particularly to the tango and cabaret scenes of early 20th-century Buenos Aires. The narrator's use of colloquial language and slang ('manyos,' 'engrupida,' 'bacán') adds authenticity to the setting and underscores the social divide between the narrator and the woman. The mention of her singing 'La Morocha,' a famous tango song, as a form of entertainment highlights the irony of her situation—once innocent and humble, she is now performing in a manner that the narrator finds disgraceful.

The emotional core of the song lies in the narrator's lament for the woman's deceased mother, who had raised her to be 'calladita, tan humilde y tan formal.' The contrast between her upbringing and her current lifestyle is stark and serves as a powerful commentary on the societal pressures and temptations that can lead one astray. The imagery of the mother 'levantara la cabeza desde el fondo del cajón' (raising her head from the coffin) to witness her daughter's fall from grace is both haunting and evocative, encapsulating the deep sense of loss and betrayal felt by the narrator.

'Audacia' is a masterful blend of narrative and emotion, capturing the complexities of human behavior and societal expectations. It serves as a timeless reminder of the fragility of innocence and the enduring impact of cultural and familial values.