El Último Organito

Edmundo Rivero's 'El Último Organito' is a poignant and nostalgic tango that captures the essence of a bygone era. The song paints a vivid picture of the last organ grinder, a symbol of a fading tradition, making his way through the streets of the arrabal (a working-class neighborhood). The imagery of the 'horse flaco' (skinny horse), the 'rengo' (lame man), and the 'monito' (little monkey) evokes a sense of decay and melancholy, as these characters are remnants of a past that is slowly disappearing.

The organ grinder's journey is marked by a sense of inevitability and loss. He chooses a corner where the lights of the moon and a small store mix, creating a surreal and almost magical atmosphere. Here, the 'pálida marquesa' (pale marchioness) and the 'pálido marqués' (pale marquis) dance to the waltzes, representing the ghosts of a once-glorious past. The organ grinder's music serves as a bridge between the living and the dead, the past and the present, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia.

As the organ grinder moves from door to door, he eventually reaches the house of the 'vecina muerta' (dead neighbor), who 'se cansó de amar' (got tired of loving). This moment is particularly poignant, as the organ grinder's music brings forth the sorrow of the 'ciego inconsolable' (inconsolable blind man) who smokes endlessly, embodying the despair and longing of the neighborhood. The song's final verses describe the organ grinder's departure, leaving behind a silent and voiceless suburb, symbolizing the end of an era and the loss of a cultural identity.

'El Último Organito' is a masterful blend of lyrical storytelling and rich cultural references, capturing the essence of a community's collective memory and the inevitable passage of time. Rivero's deep, resonant voice adds to the song's melancholic tone, making it a timeless piece that resonates with listeners on a profound emotional level.