Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.
Cotorrita de la suerte is a Tango written by José De Grandis and composed by Alfredo De Franco.
The lyrics of “Cotorrita de la suerte” tell a poignant tale of a young female worker (obrerita) enduring a fatal illness. With a constant cough that worsens at night, she is haunted by the premonition of her imminent death. As the narrative unfolds, this young woman encounters a street vendor who advertises a “lucky parrot” that predicts life or death, prompting her to reluctantly test her fate. The note she draws brings a fleeting moment of hope, promising a lover and a long life, yet she ultimately succumbs to her illness, dying with the unanswered question of her lover’s arrival on her lips.
The “Cotorrita de la suerte” (lucky parrot) serves as a central symbol in the lyrics, representing both hope and the randomness of fate. The act of the obrerita drawing a promising note from the parrot adds a layer of irony as her hopeful prediction sharply contrasts with her harsh reality. This juxtaposition emphasizes the cruel play of destiny and the fleeting nature of hope within the harsh social realities of the time. The pink color of the paper, symbolizing delicate joy and youthful dreams, further enhances the emotional depth of her fleeting happiness.
Recorded in 1927 Argentina, “Cotorrita de la suerte” reflects the social and economic hardships of the era. During this period, Argentina faced significant social challenges, and the urban poor, especially women, often endured harsh working conditions with minimal healthcare. The tango captures the essence of despair faced by the working class and their clinging to any semblance of hope, embodied by the cotorra, amidst their suffering. Historically, the popular culture of tango often delved into themes of love, loss, and fate, serving as an emotional outlet for the marginalized populations.
José De Grandis was a lyricist known for contributing to Tango music, encapsulating deep emotional and social themes through his poignant lyrics aimed at portraying the lives and struggles of ordinary people.