El aguacero by Jorge Alberto Sturla

El aguacero is a Tango written by Jorge Alberto Sturla and composed by Cátulo Castillo.

Story behind the Tango El aguacero

This tango, “El aguacero,” paints a vivid narrative of disillusionment and frustration within the realm of fame and the entertainment industry. In its lyrics, it juxtaposes the public declarations of personal agony by celebrities against the hidden struggles of genuine, unrecognized talents. “Estrellita mengana” and “El cantante zutano” serve as fictional placeholders for celebrities who publicly lament about their hardships, despite their luxurious lifestyles, as opposed to the true artists who continue to wait in vain for recognition and a means to survive.

Symbolism of El aguacero

The term “El aguacero” translates to “The downpour” in English, symbolizing an overwhelming flood of mediocrity and insincerity that showers over society, particularly within cultural industries. Phrases like “¡Qué mufa, che!”—a slang expression conveying misfortune or frustration—emphasize the narrator’s disappointment with the current state of affairs in the artistic community. Furthermore, the mention of “babel del macaneo” points to the confusion and absurdity of the prevailing discourse, where deception (macaneo) has replaced genuine dialogue.

El aguacero in historic Context

Written and recorded in Argentina in 1969, “El aguacero” by Jorge Alberto Sturla comes at a time of significant political and social change. This era in Argentina was marked by civil unrest and a growing dissatisfaction with institutional structures, including those governing cultural production and recognition. This historical backdrop underscores the lyrics’ critique of superficiality in the arts and the disregard for authentic artistic contributions, reflecting broader societal frustrations.

Jorge Alberto Sturla

Jorge Alberto Sturla was a thought-provoking lyricist and composer whose works often delved into social and cultural critiques.