Desertora by Roberto Aubriot Barboza

Desertora is a Tango written by Roberto Aubriot Barboza and composed by Edgardo Donato.

Story behind the Tango Desertora

The tango “Desertora” narrates the early morning return of a reveler from a night out characterized by “garufa” or fun. The encounter with a woman lamenting her life’s challenges provides the central theme, expressing the hardships of making ends meet. Through this interaction, we understand the woman’s nostalgia and hardship after having seemingly abandoned her traditional domestic roles, symbolized by her missing “Cepillo, escoba, olla y fogón” (brush, broom, pot, and stove).

Symbolism of Desertora

The title “Desertora,” meaning “Deserter” in English, symbolizes the woman’s departure from her expected social and economic roles. Key phrases such as “no ganaba ni pa´ comer” (not earning even for eating) and her missing domestic tools, emphasize the depth of her despair and struggle. These elements not only personify her as a deserter of her old life but also highlight the societal expectations placed upon women during the 1930s in Argentina, reflecting her rebellion against traditional gender roles.

Desertora in historic Context

Recorded in the early 20th century, “Desertora” reflects Argentina’s socio-economic conditions of the time. The 1930s in Argentina was a period marked by political and economic turmoil. This context is crucial in understanding the woman’s despair and the societal pressures that led her to become a “Desertora.” The lyrics thus act as a commentary on the broader economic struggles faced by the common people, particularly how these conditions forced many, especially women, to challenge and abandon their traditional roles in search of livelihoods.

Roberto Aubriot Barboza

Roberto Aubriot Barboza was an influential figure in the world of tango, known for his evocative lyrics that often reflect socio-cultural realities of early 20th-century Argentina.