Moneda de Cobre

Horacio Sanguinetti's song 'Moneda de Cobre' paints a poignant picture of a woman's life, marked by hardship and fleeting beauty. The lyrics tell the story of a mulata, a woman of mixed race, born to a white, alcoholic father and a black mother. Her early life is depicted as one of struggle, growing up in a poor neighborhood and eventually finding herself working in a cabaret by the age of twenty. The term 'moneda de cobre' (copper coin) is used metaphorically to describe her current state—once valuable and beautiful, now seen as old and worth very little.

The song's chorus reflects on her past beauty and grace, likening her to a butterfly with rose-colored wings that once soared but has since fallen. The imagery of her dancing the tango beautifully, like a 'queen of bronze' at the 'Folies Berger,' evokes a sense of nostalgia for her lost youth and elegance. This contrast between her past and present underscores the transient nature of beauty and the harsh realities of life that have led to her decline.

Sanguinetti's lyrics also touch on the theme of change and loss. The neighborhood she grew up in, described as sad and made of mud and tin, has disappeared, much like the life she once knew. The song ends on a somber note, advising her not to dwell on her past or show her pain, as crying won't change anything. This resignation to fate and the inevitability of change adds a layer of depth to the song, making it a touching commentary on the passage of time and the impact of socio-economic conditions on individual lives.