Pato by Ramón Collazo

Pato is a Tango written by Ramón Collazo and composed by Ramón Collazo.

Story behind the Tango Pato

‘Pato’ unfolds a tale of ostentatious pretension and eventual downfall, reflecting a deeply emotional critique of societal facades. The lyrics portray a man once known to the speaker who now parades around pretending to be someone he’s not, driving a fancy ‘voituret’ and ignoring old acquaintances. The term ‘Pato’, derogatively used here, refers to a person who is fake or a ‘duck’ pretending to be a swan, showcasing a person who wastes money to appear affluent.

Symbolism of Pato

The symbolism in ‘Pato’ hinges on the contrast between appearance and reality. The protagonist’s use of a ‘voituret’ and grooming ‘a la gomina’ symbolizes superficiality. Powder “more than a road” on a white face emphasizes the façade, hiding true identity. The lyrics with phrases like “when the lady gives you the slip, you will return to our corner to beg” sharply turn the glamorous image on its head, predicting an inevitable return to reality when superficiality fails to sustain one’s life.

Pato in historic Context

Created in 1926, ‘Pato’ by Ramón Collazo mirrors a period in Argentina where tango music often intersected with the daily lives and struggles of the working class. During this era, societal shifts and economic fluctuations were common, influencing narratives around personal identity and societal ranking. The lyrics address the impact of socioeconomic changes on individuals, critiquing those who abandon their roots for superficial high society, only to possibly fall back once fortunes change, a reminder of the cyclic nature of fate and social standing during turbulent times.

Ramón Collazo

Ramón Collazo was a prominent Tangos photographer and lyricist, influential in the early 20th century Argentinean cultural scene.