Con pan y cebolla

“Con pan y cebolla” by Homero Expósito is a poignant tango that delves into themes of love, hardship, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of Paris. The song tells the story of a couple navigating the complexities of life and love in the bustling city. The man, described as a “negro colifa” (a term that can be interpreted as a black man with a rough or rebellious demeanor), and the woman, who is likened to a spinning top in the Pigalle district, share a life filled with both tender moments and harsh realities.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of their life together, from the romantic gestures of buying paintings, tobacco, and poems, to the more mundane but essential act of providing bread. Their journey takes them from the artistic and bohemian Montmartre to the more challenging streets of Buenos Aires, where they struggle to make ends meet. The phrase “buscaron laburo, pararon la olla” highlights their efforts to find work and sustain themselves, a universal struggle for many couples.

However, their love story takes a tragic turn when the woman is seduced by a deceitful singer, symbolized by the “conjuro de un viejo gotán” (the spell of an old tango). This betrayal leads to her departure, leaving the man heartbroken. The song comes full circle as they meet again in Montmartre, but the dynamics have changed. The man, now more respected in his neighborhood, marries the woman in the Sacré-Cœur, only to send her back to Pigalle that very night, suggesting a complex mix of love, resentment, and perhaps a sense of duty or inevitability.

Expósito’s lyrics are rich with cultural references and metaphors, capturing the essence of tango as a genre that often explores the bittersweet nature of love and life. The song’s narrative is a testament to the resilience and vulnerability of the human spirit, set against the ever-changing landscapes of Paris and Buenos Aires.