Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

Cotorrita de la suerte

Cotorrita de la suerte is a Tango written by Alfredo De Franco and recorded by Roberto Firpo in 1927. Roberto Firpo has recorded Cotorrita de la suerte as an instrumental Tango.
“Cotorrita de la suerte,” or “Little Parrot of Fortune” in English, sings a whimsical tune of chance and destiny. The vibrant melodies flutter on wings of serendipity, inviting listeners to embrace unexpected twists and turns. Each note whispers secrets of luck and fate, like a mischievous parrot revealing hidden treasures in life’s unpredictable dance.

Letra del Tango Cotorrita de la suerte

¡Cómo tose la obrerita por las noches!

Tose y sufre por el cruel presentimiento

de su vida que se extingue y el tormento

no abandona su tierno corazón;

la obrerita juguetona, pizpireta,

la que diera a su casita la alegría,

la que vive largas horas de agonía

porque sabe que a su mal no hay salvación.



Pasa un hombre quien pregona:

‘¡Cotorrita de la suerte!

Augura la vida o muerte.

¿Quiere su suerte probar?’

La obrerita se resiste

por la duda, temerosa,

y un papel de color rosa

la cotorra va a sacar.



Al leerlo su mirada se animaba

y temblando ante la dicha prometida

tan alegre leyó: Un novio, larga vida…

Y un sollozo en su garganta reprimió.

Desde entonces deslizáronse sus días

esperando al bien amado ansiosamente

y la tarde en que moría, tristemente,

preguntó a su mamita: ¿No llegó?

English lyrics of the Tango "Cotorrita de la suerte"

How the little worker coughs throughout the night!

She coughs and suffers from a cruel premonition

of her life fading away, torment

never leaving her tender heart;

the playful, charming little worker,

who brought joy to her little home,

who lives through long hours of agony

knowing there’s no cure for her ill.

A man passes by proclaiming:

“Little lucky parrot!

Predicts life or death.

Want to try your luck?”

The little worker hesitates

fearful, doubtful,

and a pink paper

the parrot pulls out.

Reading it her gaze brightened

and trembling with the promised fortune

she read joyfully: A suitor, a long life…

And a sob she stifled in her throat.

From then on, her days slipped away

waiting eagerly for her beloved

and the evening she died, sadly,

she asked her mommy: “Hasn’t he arrived?”

Cotorrita de la suerte by José De Grandis

Cotorrita de la suerte is a Tango written by José De Grandis and composed by Alfredo De Franco.



Story behind the Tango Cotorrita de la suerte

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.



Symbolism of Cotorrita de la suerte

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.



Cotorrita de la suerte in Historic Context

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

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.