Mariposita

Otros Aires' song 'Mariposita' is a poignant exploration of lost love and the haunting nature of nostalgia. The bandoneón, a traditional instrument in tango music, sets a melancholic tone right from the start, symbolizing the sorrow and longing that permeate the lyrics. The imagery of the night, the bar, and the passage of time evoke a sense of loneliness and reflection, as the protagonist grapples with the pain of a love that has slipped away. The 'borracha emoción' (drunken emotion) suggests that the protagonist is drowning his sorrows in alcohol, trying to numb the heartache that refuses to fade.

The central figure of 'Mariposita,' a young girl from the protagonist's neighborhood, represents a lost love that he desperately seeks but cannot find. The repeated search for her in the city center, despite knowing she is gone, highlights the futility and desperation of his quest. The 'calvario' (calvary) and 'cruz del mismo error' (cross of the same error) suggest a cycle of repeated mistakes and suffering, indicating that both the protagonist and Mariposita have made choices that led to their separation. The plea to 'volvamos a lo de antes' (let's go back to how it was) reveals a deep yearning to return to a simpler, happier time before their dreams and illusions were shattered.

The song also delves into themes of mutual misunderstanding and the blurred lines between right and wrong. The lines 'Ni vos ni yo sabemos cuál se perdió' (Neither you nor I know who got lost) and 'Ni dónde el bien, ni el mal, tuvo un día final y otro día comenzó' (Nor where good or evil had a final day and another began) reflect the confusion and ambiguity in their relationship. The protagonist's increased drinking as he anticipates Mariposita's return underscores his inability to cope with the present reality, clinging instead to a hopeful yet painful illusion. 'Mariposita' is a deeply emotional and introspective song that captures the essence of tango's melancholic beauty, blending personal sorrow with universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.