Chatero de aquel entonces by Luis Mejías

Chatero de aquel entonces is a Tango written by Luis Mejías and composed by Julián Ortiz.

Story behind the Tango Chatero de aquel entonces

“Chatero de aquel entonces” transports us to the life and times of a man proudly rooted in his history and identity, often reflecting nostalgia for the bygone days. Known as “el zurdo” and part of the Langalay troop, the narrator identifies himself with the year 1890, embracing his reputation as a loyal and law-abiding cart driver or ‘chatero’. The repetition of historic and personal identity emphasizes a deep connection to his past, a theme that resonates through the lyrics with both pride and a slight wistfulness for times past.

Symbolism of Chatero de aquel entonces

The lyrics are rich with symbolic language that highlights the cultural significance and emotional landscape of the narrator’s life. Terms like “Chongo”, “Milonga”, and “Fandango” reference specific aspects of Argentine culture, dance, and music, standing as metaphors for the festive yet tumultuous nature of life. The reference to “Chata… Que se ata y desata,” which translates to a woman who binds and unbinds, symbolizes a fleeting love, intensifying the theme of transient happiness and enduring heartache. Such symbolism provides depth, illustrating the personal trials and societal norms faced during the era.

Chatero de aquel entonces in historic Context

Set in 1943 Argentina, a period marked by significant political and social changes, “Chatero de aquel entonces” offers a personal perspective against the backdrop of national identity formation and cultural preservation. The mention of places like “la Boca” and events like local fairs or corsos where communities gathered, underlines the local flavor and communal interactions typical of the time, but also hints at resistance to change or modernity, as seen in the exclusion from the corso due to potential dominance in a competition.

Luis Mejías

Luis Mejías was an Argentine lyricist and Tango singer, known for his depictions of everyday life and culture in his music.