Musa Rea

Celedonio Flores' song "Musa Rea" is a heartfelt ode to the everyday life and emotions found in the suburbs of Buenos Aires. Flores, a renowned Argentine poet and lyricist, is known for his use of lunfardo, a local slang that adds authenticity and rawness to his work. In this song, he rejects the pretentiousness of high art and instead embraces the simplicity and sincerity of his surroundings. He makes it clear that he doesn't aspire to be a grand poet or a sophisticated wordsmith; he writes from the heart, using the language of the streets.

The lyrics emphasize Flores' preference for the gritty and real over the polished and idealized. He doesn't sing about perfumed flowers or the starry sky; instead, he finds beauty in the thistle, a common and often overlooked plant. This choice symbolizes his connection to the working-class neighborhoods and their unvarnished reality. By choosing to write in lunfardo, he further grounds his work in the culture and experiences of the people around him, making his poetry accessible and relatable.

Flores' muse is described as 'mistonga,' a term that conveys a sense of being humble and unpretentious. His soul is 'rantifusa,' suggesting a rebellious and nonconformist spirit. Despite his outward appearance of a well-dressed gentleman, his true essence is rooted in the rough and tumble life of the suburbs. This duality highlights the contrast between appearance and reality, a common theme in tango music. Through "Musa Rea," Flores celebrates the authenticity of the ordinary, finding profound emotion and inspiration in the everyday lives of the people in his community.