Chiqué by Ricardo Brignolo

Chiqué is a Tango written by Ricardo Brignolo and composed by Ricardo Luis Brignolo.

Story behind the Tango Chiqué

The lyrics of “Chiqué” paint a vivid narrative of nostalgia and unconditional love, wrapped in the reflections of a person observing someone they deeply care about ascend through social ranks. The mention of “pilchas tan de bute” suggests a transformation in appearance to high-class attire, either through wealth or association, distancing themselves from a humbler, happier past represented by “la vieja querencia” and “aquel bulín”. These spaces, filled with old memories and joy, symbolize an authentic existence that the song’s subject seems to have departed from.

Symbolism of Chiqué

“Chiqué” primarily serves as a metaphor for pretense or affectation. It signifies an act of presenting oneself more grandiosely than one’s true essence — a facade adopted perhaps due to the influences or expectations of society. This deception or embellishment in behavior is contrary to the narrator’s ethos, who prides themselves on being ‘de línea’, implying straightforwardness and integrity. The reference to a fox fur and the enchanting sway in the line “con una piel de zorro y un encantador vaivén” conjures images of allure and perhaps cunning, hinting at the complexity of the person being addressed.

Chiqué in historic Context

“Chiqué” emerged in 1936, a period in Argentine history marked by political and social flux, which could subtly thread through the narrative layers of this tango. The country was experiencing significant changes, which often influenced its cultural outputs, notably in the vibrant neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. Tangos of this era frequently encapsulated themes of loss, nostalgia, and critique of societal changes, mirroring the displacement felt by many as the traditional ways clashed with modernizing forces.

Ricardo Brignolo

Ricardo Brignolo was a notable figure in the tango community, celebrated for his contributions as a lyricist that captured the emotional and social essence of his time. His works often resonate with themes of love, socio-cultural shifts, and introspection.