Bien criolla y bien porteña
Homero Expósito
A Heartfelt Ode to Love and Tradition
Homero Expósito's song "Bien criolla y bien porteña" is a beautiful tribute to love, deeply rooted in Argentine culture. The lyrics convey a sense of simplicity and authenticity, emphasizing that singing about love doesn't require experience or grand gestures. Instead, it’s about forming a genuine connection between two people, much like the traditional Argentine milonga—a type of music and dance that is both rustic and urban, reflecting the essence of Buenos Aires (porteña) and the countryside (criolla).
The song paints a vivid picture of the beloved, describing her as melancholic like a tango, with a refreshing taste of mint, and as simple yet binding as a lasso. These metaphors highlight her deep connection to Argentine traditions, comparing her to the bitter mate, a traditional South American drink, and the harmonious sound of a guitar. The imagery used by Expósito not only romanticizes the woman but also ties her identity to the cultural elements that are quintessentially Argentine.
Expósito further emphasizes that to sing about love, one doesn't need to look at the stars or seek inspiration from grandiose sources. Instead, it requires being an honorable person, suggesting that true love and its expression come from integrity and sincerity. The song concludes with a reaffirmation of its cultural roots, celebrating love in a manner that is both criolla and porteña, encapsulating the spirit of Argentine tradition and the heartfelt simplicity of genuine affection.