El Conventillo

The song 'El Conventillo' by Edmundo Rivero paints a vivid picture of life in the tenements of Buenos Aires, known as 'conventillos', which were common in the early 20th century. These were communal living spaces where many immigrants and lower-class citizens lived, often in poor conditions. The lyrics tell the story of someone who was born and raised in such an environment, specifically on Olavarría Street, and how it shaped their life and character.

The song's narrator reflects on their upbringing amidst the sounds of knife fights, which were a harsh reality of conventillo life. The reference to 'payadas', which are improvised poetic duels, suggests a culture rich in tradition and community entertainment, despite the rough surroundings. As the narrator grows up, they attempt to leave the slums for a better life ('pianté del barro al asfalto'), but the transition is not without its challenges. The metaphor of flying too high and nearly falling ('Pretendí volar tan alto / Que casi me vengo al suelo') illustrates the struggle and potential pitfalls of striving for a better life.

Later in life, the narrator encounters trouble ('una vez un tal loyola / Me embrocó en un guay fulero'), which leads to a stint in prison ('gayola'). Despite these setbacks, the narrator takes pride in their roots and the skills they've acquired ('De logiar la gilería'). The song closes with the narrator in their forties, reflecting on their life's journey, still connected to their past ('Que nací en un conventillo / De la calle Olavarría'). 'El Conventillo' is a nostalgic look back at a life marked by hardship, resilience, and the indelible mark of one's origins.