La porteñita

Reinaldo Yiso's song "La porteñita" is a heartfelt homage to a woman who embodies the spirit and soul of tango. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young woman, affectionately called 'La porteñita' by the local boys, who is deeply connected to the world of tango. Her attire, described as a skirt and a simple blouse, symbolizes her humble origins and her deep-rooted connection to the arrabal, the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. The song captures her essence as she dances in the milongas, the social dance gatherings, where her presence and movements captivate everyone around her.

The imagery of the 'roncos bandoneones' (hoarse bandoneons) enveloping her and igniting the milonga like a flame highlights the passionate and almost mystical connection she has with the dance. Her 'canyengue' (a particular style of tango dance), cadence, and rhythm make her the center of attention, forming a circle of admirers who watch her every move. The song emphasizes how her dance is not just a performance but an expression of her very being, with the tango living in her heart.

The lyrics also reflect on her fame, stretching from Palermo to Corrales, and how she became the queen of the arrabal dances. Her distinctive style, marked by the confident tapping of her heels and the graceful sway of her skirt, left a lasting impression on those who watched her. The song is a nostalgic tribute, acknowledging that while she may have heard many words of love, her true love was always the tango. The final lines of the song express a deep sense of nostalgia and emotion, offering this milonga as a heartfelt gift to 'La porteñita,' a flower from the heart, symbolizing the enduring impact she had on the world of tango.