Yo Soy Del 30
Edmundo Rivero
A Nostalgic Ode to Buenos Aires: 'Yo Soy Del 30' by Edmundo Rivero
Edmundo Rivero's 'Yo Soy Del 30' is a heartfelt tribute to a bygone era in Buenos Aires, filled with personal and cultural references that paint a vivid picture of the city's past. The song opens with the repeated line 'Yo soy del treinta,' which translates to 'I am from the thirties,' immediately setting the stage for a nostalgic journey. Rivero references significant historical events, such as the political turmoil surrounding Hipólito Yrigoyen and the tragic death of tango icon Carlos Gardel, both of which left indelible marks on Argentine history and culture.
The lyrics also touch on the physical and emotional transformations Rivero experienced during this period. He mentions the widening of Corrientes Avenue, a major thoroughfare in Buenos Aires, symbolizing the city's growth and modernization. The line 'Cuando la vida me hizo sentir' ('When life made me feel') suggests a period of intense personal development and emotional awakening. Rivero's friendships with notable figures like Homero Manzi and Enrique Santos Discépolo, both influential in the tango world, further anchor the song in a rich cultural context.
Rivero's reflections are tinged with a sense of resilience and authenticity. He speaks of living 'sin claudicar' ('without giving up'), navigating life's ups and downs with unwavering determination. The song also highlights the camaraderie and integrity of the past, contrasting it with the present. By invoking the names of actors Muiño and Alippi, Rivero underscores the lessons he learned about life and art. 'Yo Soy Del 30' is not just a personal memoir but a collective memory, capturing the essence of a time when Buenos Aires was a crucible of cultural and social change.