Tortazos

The song 'Tortazos' by Edmundo Rivero is a tango with a satirical take on social climbing and pretentiousness. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who has left her humble origins behind after marrying a wealthy man, adopting a lifestyle and airs that are not her own. The narrator mocks her new social status, pointing out the incongruity between her past and her present, and the superficiality of her transformation.

Edmundo Rivero, known for his deep baritone voice, often sang tangos that dealt with the themes of the lower classes and the struggles of everyday life in the city. In 'Tortazos,' he uses colloquial language and cultural references to paint a vivid picture of the woman's past and her attempts to fit into high society. The song's title, 'Tortazos,' which can be translated as 'slaps,' metaphorically represents the harsh reality checks that the woman faces as she tries to maintain her new facade.

The song is a critique of social pretension and the idea that money can buy class or erase one's past. It highlights the importance of authenticity and the folly of trying to be something one is not. The use of humor and irony in the lyrics is typical of the tango genre, which often includes storytelling elements that reflect the complexities of human nature and societal issues.