En Plaza Constitución
San Lorenzo
The Melancholic Wait at Plaza Constitución
The song "En Plaza Constitución" by San Lorenzo paints a vivid picture of a scene at a bustling train station in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The lyrics are simple yet evocative, focusing on a single character, a 'negro con grabador' (a black man with a tape recorder), who is described in a way that humanizes him and connects him to the cultural fabric of the city. The repetition of the man's actions and his description as someone who styles his hair like the iconic tango singer Carlos Gardel, and as a fan of the Boca Juniors football club, waiting for the last train, creates a sense of routine and longing.
The song's setting, Plaza Constitución, is one of the main transportation hubs in Buenos Aires, often crowded and chaotic. The mention of this specific place grounds the song in a real and relatable context, where diverse lives intersect. The character's description, with his tape recorder and his distinctive hairstyle, suggests a blend of modernity and tradition, a common theme in many urban narratives. The fact that he is a fan of Boca Juniors, one of the most popular football clubs in Argentina, adds another layer of identity to the character, as football is deeply intertwined with Argentine culture.
The repeated line about waiting for the last train could symbolize the universal experience of waiting and the anticipation of journeys, both literal and metaphorical. It may also reflect a sense of being stuck or left behind, as the last train often signifies the end of the line and the close of daily opportunities. The song, through its minimalist approach, invites listeners to reflect on the stories and lives of the people they encounter in passing, and the shared human experiences that occur within the hustle and bustle of city life.