El Bailongo En Lo Del Rengo
Cuarteto Leo
The Chaotic Dance at Rengo's Place
The song "El Bailongo En Lo Del Rengo" by Cuarteto Leo tells a vivid story of a chaotic dance event at a place owned by a character known as 'el rengo'. The lyrics paint a picture of a lively and somewhat disreputable gathering where people of high society ('gente de abolengo') dance to the rhythm of the music. The narrator receives an invitation from a woman with questionable attributes ('una china medio tuerta'), hinting at the dubious nature of the event.
As the night progresses, the owner of the place, el rengo, is described as dancing in an eccentric fashion, wearing a tuxedo paired with sandals and a mustache. The party takes a turn for the worse when the police arrive, led by a commissioner who demands to see a permit for the event. The situation escalates when a sergeant, described as clumsy ('medio chambonazo'), accidentally decapitates el rengo. The aftermath is grim, with el rengo's body being prepared for burial and his wife quickly moving on with another man, Macedo the troubadour. The narrator reflects on the night's events, lamenting their desire to dance leading to a beating ('una tunda') and the disastrous end of the party.
The song uses humor and exaggeration to depict a wild and unruly party that spirals out of control. It's a narrative that combines elements of tragedy and comedy, showcasing the unpredictability of such gatherings and the consequences that can arise from a lack of order and legality. The story is a cautionary tale about the perils of illicit fun and the swift change of fortunes that can occur in such a volatile environment.