El Choclo

The song 'El Choclo,' written by Enrique Santos Discépolo, is a classic Argentine tango that captures the spirit and transformation of the tango genre itself. The lyrics poetically describe how tango emerged from the suburbs, a symbol of the ambitions and dreams of the lower classes. The song personifies tango as a living entity that has risen from the 'sordid slums' to reach for the sky, suggesting a journey from humble beginnings to widespread acclaim.

The tango is depicted as a strange spell of love turned into rhythm, a mix of anger, pain, faith, and absence, reflecting the complex emotions that the dance and music evoke. It speaks to the transformative power of tango, which gave birth to new expressions and styles, and how it resonates with the experiences of the common people, from the way they love to their yearning for something more. The mention of 'paicas' and 'grelas' refers to women of the night, while 'canyengue' is a style of tango dance, highlighting the dance's roots in the nightlife of Buenos Aires.

The song also touches on personal nostalgia, as the singer recalls the past and the memory of his mother, connecting the emotion of the tango to his own life experiences. The tango's reach is further illustrated by its influence on various social classes, from the 'shusheta' (dandy) to the 'reo' (criminal), showing its universal appeal. 'El Choclo' is a tribute to the tango's ability to capture the essence of Argentine culture, its people, and the emotions that run deep within the heart of every dancer and listener.