Pobre gallo Bataraz

Pobre gallo Bataraz is a Vals written by José Ricardo and recorded by Quinteto Real (Horacio Salgán) in 1960. Quinteto Real (Horacio Salgán) has recorded Pobre gallo Bataraz as an instrumental Vals.

“Pobre gallo Bataraz” translates to “Poor Bataraz Rooster” in English. This heartfelt piece captures the melancholy fate of a colorful rooster, once proud and vibrant, now weary and lost. Through its pensive melodies, the music paints a portrait of resilience amidst adversity, a testament to life’s inevitable cycles of glory and decline.

Vals

Style

Quinteto Real (Horacio Salgán)

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Adolfo Herschel

Author

José Ricardo

Composer

1960/1/1

Date

Instrumental

Quinteto Real (Horacio Salgán)

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Pobre gallo bataraz,

se te está abriendo el pellejo.

Ya ni pa’ dar un consejo,

como dicen, te encontrás,

porque estás enclenque y viejo,

¡pobre gallo bataraz!

Pero en tus tiempos, cuidao

con hacer bulla en la siesta,

se te paraba la cresta

y había en la arena un finao.

Y siga nomás la fiesta

porque en tus tiempos, ¡cuidao!

Era de larga tu espuela

como cola de peludo.

Y a’más de ser entrañudo

eras guapo sin agüeria,

porque hasta el más corajudo

sintió terror por tu espuela.

Si en los días de domingo

había depositada,

ya estabas de madrugada

sobre el lomo de mi pingo.

Había que ver tu parada

pocas plumas el domingo.

Y si escaseaba la plata

o andaba medio tristón,

entre brinco y reculón,

me picabas la alpargata

como diciendo: Patrón,

ya sabe si anda sin plata.

Pobre gallo bataraz,

nunca te echaré al olvido.

Pimenton y maíz molido,

no te han de faltar jamás.

Porque soy agradecido,

¡pobre gallo bataraz!

English lyrics of the Vals "Pobre gallo Bataraz"

Poor speckled rooster,
your skin is starting to split.
Not even for giving advice…
as they say, are you fit,
because you’re frail and old,
poor speckled rooster!

But in your prime, beware
of making noise during siesta,
your comb would stand on end
and there was a death in the arena.
And the party would continue,
because in your prime, beware!

Your spur was long
like a bushy tail.
And besides being gutsy
you were brave without charms,
because even the bravest
felt terror by your spur.

If on Sundays
there was a gathering,
you were up early
on the back of my steed.
To see your stance
was to see few feathers on Sunday.

And if money was tight
or I felt a bit down,
between jumps and scrambling,
you’d peck at my espadrille
as if to say: Boss,
you know if there’s no money.

Poor speckled rooster,
I will never forget you.
Paprika and ground corn,
you will never lack.
Because I am grateful,
poor speckled rooster!

Pobre gallo Bataraz by Adolfo Herschel

Pobre gallo Bataraz is a Tango written by Adolfo Herschel and composed by José Ricardo.

Story behind the Tango Pobre gallo Bataraz

This tango tells the story of an aging, once-feared rooster, metaphorically described as “Pobre gallo Bataraz”. The lyrics use the life of the rooster to explore themes of aging, loss of prowess, and the respect for the old and experienced. The rooster, once dominant in the cockfighting pits, is now old, frail, and unable to even give advice. Despite this, the narrator expresses gratitude and promises to remember and take care of the rooster, showing a deep sense of loyalty and appreciation for past services.

Symbolism of Pobre gallo Bataraz

The song makes extensive use of symbolism, portraying the rooster as a fallen warrior. The phrases like “se te está abriendo el pellejo” (your skin is splitting open) symbolize the unavoidable decay that comes with age. The mention of “tu espuela” (your spur) recalls past victories and strength, emphasizing the contrast between the rooster’s past valor and current weakness. This symbolism underscores the theme of fading glory and the passage of time, touching on the broader human condition.