Esclavas blancas by Horacio Pettorossi

Esclavas blancas is a Tango written and composed by Horacio Pettorossi.

Story behind the Tango Esclavas blancas

“Esclavas blancas” translates to “White Slaves” in English, bearing a heavy and poignant title that reflects the song’s narrative. The lyrics dwell on the lives of women caught in the dismal world of night-time entertainment. Often referred to metaphorically as “white slaves” of the tango and milonga, these women are portrayed as soulless, trapped in a cycle of vices, devoid of love and full of sorrow. Horacio Pettorossi tells the story of a milonga woman whose laughter masks a bleeding heart, ravaged by pain and deception. The narrative explores themes of regret, maternal neglect, aging, and the transient nature of beauty and youth in a lifestyle marked by superficial engagements.

Symbolism of Esclavas blancas

Key phrases such as “autómatas del vicio, sin alma y sin amor” (automatons of vice, without soul and love) and “emborrachás tu alma con tango y con champagne” (you drown your soul with tango and champagne) display a profound use of symbolism. These lines denote the loss of individuality and depth, presenting a life engulfed in ephemeral pleasures as a means to stave off pain and emptiness. The recurring metaphor of the “criaturita de manecitas blancas” (little creature with white little hands) symbolizes innocence and unfulfilled maternal duty, creating a poignant contrast against the backdrop of the milonga’s lifestyle. The image of this “little creature” possibly calling strangers “mom” underlines the separation and loss inherent in the choices made by these women.

Esclavas blancas in historic Context

Recorded in 1950 in Argentina, “Esclavas blancas” arises from a period when tango music was intertwined deeply with the cultural fabric of Buenos Aires. Post World War II era marked significant social changes, with urbanization drawing many to cities, and the night-life culture being a mixed space of escape and despair. The tango scene often mirrored the darker socio-economic elements of the society, including discussions on moral and existential dilemmas. Pettorossi’s portrayal of these women as slaves to their lifestyle and societal expectations resonates with a critical view on the exploitative dimensions of nightlife industries during this era.

Horacio Pettorossi

Horacio Pettorossi was an influential figure in the tango genre, both as a composer and lyricist, capturing the essence and stories of Argentine culture through his music.