Pinta orillera by David Farina Ortiz

Pinta orillera is a Tango written by David Farina Ortiz and composed by Antonio Arcieri.

Story behind the Tango Pinta orillera

The narrative built within “Pinta orillera” portrays a multifaceted character deeply rooted in the realms of Buenos Aires’ marginalized suburbs. The protagonist, described as ‘Flaco, trigueño… mirada fiera’ (slim, wheatish, with a fierce look), reflects the archetype of a fearless, bold individual, often involved in knife confrontations, as suggested by ‘Daga cayendo del pantalón’ (knife hanging from the trousers). This character’s toughness is juxtaposed with a hint of tenderness when it comes to matters of love, highlighting the complex nature of maintaining a tough exterior while nurturing emotional depths.

Symbolism of Pinta orillera

The poignant imagery of “Falla el coraje contra el amor” (courage fails against love) illustrates the contradiction often faced between one’s persona and emotional vulnerability in love situations. “Pinta orillera” can figuratively translate to “sidewalk cover-up”, symbolically portraying individuals who portray a tough exterior to cover up their deeper emotions. The protagonist’s blade, which both defends and attacks, reflects the sharp edges of his personality and his battles, both literal and metaphorical, emphasizing themes of loyalty, betrayal, and personal honor in the microcosm of Buenos Aires’ lower echelons.

Pinta orillera in historic Context

Recorded in 1940 during a politically tumultuous period in Argentina, “Pinta orillera” reflects the socio-economic struggles and the ethos of the suburban man. The references to neighborhood conflicts like ‘En los candombes de las barriadas’ (In the candombes of the neighborhoods) locate the tango within the cultural practice of candombe, an African-origin dance common in working-class barrios. This layer contextualizes the protagonist’s story within the broader narratives of survival and identity, where the ethos of the arrabal (suburb) embeds deeply within the personal and collective consciousness of the time.

David Farina Ortiz

A storyteller of the suburban life, David Farina Ortiz captures the pulse and verve of Buenos Aires’ street culture through his tango compositions, encapsulating complex human emotions and social dynamics.