La última grela

Horacio Ferrer's song "La última grela" is a poignant and melancholic tango that delves deep into themes of loneliness, despair, and the inexorable passage of time. The term 'grela' in lunfardo, a dialect of Buenos Aires, refers to a woman of the streets, often with a connotation of marginalization and hardship. Ferrer paints a vivid picture of this character, enveloped in a cold stole, symbolizing her isolation and the emotional death she has experienced repeatedly.

The lyrics are rich with metaphors and cultural references, particularly to the world of tango. The mention of Arolas, a renowned tango composer, and the imagery of violins and bandoneons playing a mournful tune, evoke a sense of nostalgia and sorrow. The 'misa rea' or rogue mass, performed by these instruments, suggests a funeral for the grela's spirit, highlighting her tragic existence. The references to Tuñón, a poet known for his depictions of urban life and its struggles, further underscore the grela's plight.

Ferrer's portrayal of the grela's final moments is both haunting and evocative. Her weariness, cough, and melodrama are bid farewell by the 'pálidas rubionas' (pale blondes) and 'madamas' (madams) with tragic hair, indicating a community of similarly downtrodden women. The grela's ultimate surrender to the 'bondad de Dios' (goodness of God) for a mere two pesos, and her silent, reluctant submission, reflect a profound sense of resignation and hopelessness. The song concludes with the grela's eyes, described as 'fúnebres ases' (funereal aces), symbolizing her inevitable fate and the death that looms over her.

"La última grela" is a masterful blend of lyrical poetry and musical tradition, capturing the essence of a life marked by suffering and solitude. Ferrer's use of lunfardo and his deep understanding of tango culture make this song a powerful commentary on the human condition, particularly the lives of those on the fringes of society.