Chiqué by Ricardo Brignolo

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

Story behind the Tango Chiqué

“Chiqué” beautifully captures a nostalgic and emotive reflection on love and change. The lyrics delve into the pain of seeing a beloved change under the influence of wealth and materialism, expressed through the sorrow of the narrator who reminisces about the past when love was purer and less influenced by material gain. The narrator laments how the beloved was seduced away by someone with more wealth, indicated by the phrase “un gil de mucho vento te compró para tenerte a su lado” translating to “a fool with plenty of dough bought you to have by his side.” This expresses a deep sense of loss, not just of the beloved but of the authenticity of their past relationship.

Symbolism of Chiqué

The word “Chiqué,” in this context, suggests pretension or affectation, which can be seen as a symbol of the superficial values that have come between the narrator and his love. The use of terms like “pilchas tan de bute” (very fancy clothes) and “berretín” (obsession) reinforces the theme of superficiality, suggesting a departure from the true essence of the relationship they once shared. These elements starkly contrast with the “vieja querencia” and “aquel bulín,” phrases that convey a longing for the past filled with genuine emotions and simpler, happier times. Furthermore, “guinda y un pelpa de cien,” likely comparisons to denote beauty and value, illustrate both the physical allure and the sentimental worth the narrator once saw in his beloved.

Chiqué in historic Context

Composed post World War II, “Chiqué” echoes a society grappling with change. Argentina in 1946 was under the influence of rising political figures like Juan Domingo Perón, where societal focuses were rapidly shifting towards modernization and material wealth. This context enriches the understanding of the text, wherein the personal story mirrors broader societal transformations. The loss of traditional values to the allure of affluence critiques contemporary shifts and calls for a remembrance and revival of more profound connections.

Ricardo Brignolo

Ricardo Brignolo was a notable Argentine tango lyricist celebrated for his deep poetic expressions and contributions to the tango genre.