Pipistrela

Tita Merello's song 'Pipistrela' offers a vivid portrayal of a woman's life in the bustling streets of early 20th-century Buenos Aires. The lyrics, delivered in the colorful local slang of the city, tell the story of a woman who is colloquially known as 'Pipistrela,' a term that might suggest a bat-like creature, flitting about unseen and misunderstood, yet the song reveals a deeper layer of social commentary.

The protagonist of 'Pipistrela' uses her street-smart skills to navigate a world filled with unsavory characters and challenging situations. She is called 'Pipistrela' by those around her, a nickname she accepts, perhaps as a strategy to underplay her true intelligence and capabilities in a male-dominated society. This tactic of feigning simplicity or ignorance ('Es mejor pasar por gila') allows her to maneuver through life more smoothly, avoiding conflicts and perhaps manipulating situations to her advantage.

The song also touches on themes of aspiration and dissatisfaction with one's social standing. The protagonist dreams of a better life, symbolized by her desires for fashionable clothes and a more affluent partner ('Aniaparme algún coso del centro'). Her repeated declaration about the beauty and class she possesses ('Soy una piba con clase') suggests a defiance against her current circumstances and a strong self-awareness that challenges societal expectations.