NP (No place) by Francisco Loiácono

NP (No place) is a Tango written by Francisco Loiácono and composed by Juan José Riverol.

Story behind the Tango NP (No place)

The tango lyric narrates the story of a disappointing racehorse, connecting the emotional trials of racing with broader themes of hope, investment, failure, and endurance. It draws a parallel between the horse and human experiences, especially focusing on the speaker’s personal losses and their unyielding spirit of persistence despite continuous defeat.

Symbolism of NP (No place)

“Mirando tu performance del hipódromo platense” introduces the setting—a racetrack in La Plata—immediately laying the groundwork for an atmosphere filled with anticipation and expectation. The phrase “nunca al marcador llegaste” and repetition of ‘No Placé’ (‘No Place’, meaning the horse never ranked in races) symbolically represents missed opportunities and continual disappointment. The expression “Es tu sangre que te pierde” (“It’s your blood that leads you astray”) hints at inescapable fate or heredity determining the course of life, while the absence of a heart metaphorically touches on lack of essence or spirit needed to overcome challenges.

NP (No place) in historic Context

The year 1951 marks a post-war era full of rebuilding and change, reflecting resilience against hardships paralleled in the song’s themes. Argentina’s rich history with horseracing and its cultural significance provides a potent backdrop. Racing, historically seen as a symbol of status and chance, often involves elements of luck, skill, and emotional investment, mirroring the socio-economic turbulence of the time. The stanzas about changing to country track racing (cuadreras) from traditional formats encapsulates shifts, adaptation, and continuation despite failing conventional standards.

Francisco Loiácono

Francisco Loiácono was a key figure in the Argentine tango scene, known for capturing intricate human emotions and social commentary through his lyrics.