Los cosos de al lao

José Canet's song "Los cosos de al lao" is a poignant tango that captures the essence of neighborhood life, filled with both nostalgia and celebration. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a night in the barrio, where violins sob and bandoneons tremble, setting a melancholic yet vibrant scene. The mention of a "gotán," a slang term for tango, immediately roots the song in its cultural context, evoking the deep emotional resonance that tango music holds in Argentine culture.

The narrative unfolds with a sense of anticipation and hidden stories. A button making its rounds to stay awake and a gallant figure whispering sweet nothings in a doorway suggest a world of small, intimate dramas. The sudden sound of an orchestra signals a celebration, revealing that the neighbors are rejoicing the return of a young woman who left when she was not yet fifteen. Now, she has returned with a child, and the community gathers to celebrate this new life, symbolized by the child's baptism. This moment of joy contrasts with the earlier melancholy, highlighting the cyclical nature of life in the neighborhood.

As the night fades, the song shifts to the morning routine of the workers heading to their daily grind, juxtaposed with a drunken man spouting nonsense. This contrast underscores the duality of life in the barrio, where moments of joy and sorrow, celebration and hardship, coexist. Canet's lyrics capture the spirit of the community, reflecting the resilience and camaraderie that define neighborhood life. The song is a tribute to the enduring human spirit, celebrating life's small victories amidst its inevitable struggles.