Fangal

Enrique Santos Discépolo's song 'Fangal' paints a vivid picture of a tragic and gritty reality. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who, despite her humble beginnings in a conventillo (a type of tenement housing common in Argentina), finds herself slipping into a metaphorical and literal mire. The 'banana' she steps on symbolizes the unforeseen obstacles and pitfalls that life throws at her, leading her to a downfall. The narrator, who witnesses her plight, tries to save her but ultimately realizes his own naivety and helplessness in the face of her fate.

The song delves into themes of disillusionment and the harshness of life. The narrator reflects on his own foolishness ('gil') for believing he could rescue her and for mistaking a 'tomato' for a 'flower'—a metaphor for seeing potential and beauty where there is none. His attempt to save her only leads to his own suffering, as she ends up causing him more pain. This realization brings him back to the 'mugre' (filth) of his own existence, highlighting the cyclical nature of despair and the difficulty of escaping one's circumstances.

Discépolo's use of vivid imagery and colloquial language brings authenticity to the narrative, making the listener feel the weight of the characters' struggles. The setting of the bar, with its 'ginebra desastrosa' (disastrous gin) and the company of 'curdas y malandras' (drunks and scoundrels), further emphasizes the bleakness of their world. 'Fangal' is a poignant reflection on the inevitability of fate and the often futile attempts to rise above one's station in life, resonating deeply with the human experience of struggle and disillusionment.