El entrerriano by Homero Exposito

El entrerriano is a Tango written by Homero Exposito and composed by Rosendo Mendizabal.

Story behind the Tango El entrerriano

El entrerriano” reflects the ethos of the traditional milonguero (tango enthusiast) infused with local pride and a powerful sense of identity. The lyricist, Homero Exposito, crafts an archetype of a self-assured, passionate man who harnesses the emotional and physical realms of tango to assert his presence. The protagonist proudly declares his roots from Entre Rios (“el Entrerriano”), highlighting his prowess in dance as well as love, suggesting a profound connection between one’s origin and their expression of self through art.

Symbolism of El entrerriano

The tango makes frequent use of dynamic contrasts such as “milonguero y provinciano” and “poquito compadrito”, which set up a dance of identities combining urban sophistication with rural authenticity. This dance reflects through the tango itself, where movement and passion intertwine. The “tren de los guapos con tajitos” symbolizes challenges or competitions faced, showcasing resilience among rivals or perhaps in life’s confrontations. Dancing “hasta el mango,” or to the fullest, becomes a metaphor for living or loving passionately and unreservedly.

El entrerriano in historic Context

The tango was recorded in 1957, a period when dance halls in Buenos Aires were vibrant with tango culture, and the local identities and regional pride significantly influenced tango lyrics. This era also saw the blending of tango with other popular cultural elements, reflecting its role as a social glue amidst the socio-political landscape of Argentina. “El entrerriano” may have served to reinforce regional pride, connect the rural with the urban, and provide a narrative vehicle that supports identity and cultural celebration in mid-20th-century Argentina.

Homero Exposito

Homero Exposito was a prominent Argentine lyricist known for his profound and evocative tango lyrics.