Compadrón by Enrique Cadícamo

Compadrón is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Luis Visca.

Story behind the Tango Compadrón

“Compadrón” tells the story of a pretentious man, often feigning a persona of toughness and authority that he does not genuinely possess. The lyrics begin by mocking the character for his lack of authenticity, referencing Juan Malevo, a symbol of genuine toughness, highlighting the subject’s inadequacy. Through a myriad of gambling and street life metaphors, Cadícamo creates an image of a man struggling to uphold a facade that crumbles as time passes.

Symbolism of Compadrón

Cadícamo uses strong, evocative symbols like “barro chapaleado” (muddied mud) and “papel maché” to emphasize the superficial and fragile nature of the protagonist’s persona. The “prontuariado de vivillo” (record of a cunning man) and the contrast between his current facade and inevitable decrepitude (“cuando quedes viejo y solo”) serve as a poignant critique of empty bravado. Phrases like “retazo de bacán” (piece of a dandy), reveal the subject’s incomplete and unsatisfactory nature – a mere fraction of what he pretends to be.

Compadrón in historic Context

Recorded in 1942 in Argentina, a period rich with the cultural significance of tango as a reflection of societal and emotional themes, “Compadrón” emerges as a critique of those adopting a facade of toughness without the substance to back it up. During this era, tango often explored themes of identity, performance, and authenticity, rooted in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. This setting adds a layer of depth, connecting the personal facade to broader themes of societal expectation and personal integrity within the challenging urban environment.

Enrique Cadícamo

An illustrious Argentine lyricist, Enrique Cadícamo, was famed for his poignant and evocative contributions to the world of tango, enhancing the genre with his deep narrative and lyrical sophistication.