Buenas Noches Atorrantes

Tabaré Cardozo's song "Buenas Noches Atorrantes" is a vibrant and rebellious anthem that speaks to the spirit of those who defy societal norms and expectations. The term "atorrantes" can be loosely translated to mean vagrants or troublemakers, and Cardozo uses it to address those who live on the fringes of society. The song opens with a call to open the gates and let in the legion of those who have jumped off the metaphorical train, symbolizing a departure from the conventional path. This sets the stage for a night of defiance and nonconformity, where the outcasts take center stage.

The lyrics are rich with metaphors and imagery that paint a picture of rebellion and freedom. The line "Suban el telón, que hoy es la función de los que van contra el pelotón" (Raise the curtain, for today is the show of those who go against the platoon) suggests a theatrical performance where the rebels are the stars. The repeated refrain "Buenas noches atorrantes, fugitivos del renglón" (Good night, vagrants, fugitives of the line) reinforces the idea of escaping the rigid lines of society and finding one's own path. The mention of a sleeping guard over the clock's chime hints at a rare moment of freedom, a time when the usual constraints are momentarily lifted.

Cardozo's lyrics also touch on themes of personal struggle and resilience. The verse "Tuve el corazón en el paredón por meterme en el roba montón" (I had my heart on the wall for getting into the heap of thieves) speaks to the risks and consequences of living a life outside the norm. Yet, there is a sense of camaraderie and shared experience among the outcasts, as they navigate their own course in a world that often seeks to confine them. The song's closing lines, "Cambio de estación, circo en extinción, siga el corso en otra dirección" (Change of season, circus in extinction, let the parade continue in another direction), suggest a shift in the status quo and a call to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

"Buenas Noches Atorrantes" is a powerful ode to those who dare to be different, celebrating their resilience and defiance in the face of societal pressures. It is a reminder that there is beauty and strength in nonconformity, and that sometimes, the most meaningful journeys are those that take us off the beaten path.