Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.
Qué reo sos is a Tango written by Homero Expósito and composed by Juan Antonio Collazo.
The tango “Qué reo sos” unveils a narrative that humorously critiques social pretension, self-delusion, and vanity. It follows a person who, despite their best efforts to dress elegantly and adopt sophisticated manners, cannot escape their true roots. This character is portrayed as someone attempting to transcend their humble beginnings (“reo”) by using French words and dressing in fine clothes, striving to be accepted in higher social circles. Yet, their true nature unmistakably shines through, revealing them as an impostor in the world they wish to belong to. The story oscillates between humor and genuine pity, exploring themes of authenticity, self-perception, and societal expectations.
Symbolism abounds throughout the lyrics, notably in the juxtaposition of appearances versus reality. The emphasis on material symbols like clothing (“un par de guantes”), language (“bon jour” and “mercí”), and social interaction portray an individual’s futile attempt to transform their social identity. This tango cleverly observes that external transformations cannot mask one’s inherent essence, symbolized in phrases like “sos reo de verdad.” The “gacho gris perla” or grey hat represents a superficial attempt at style that only underscores the absurdity of such transformations. The proverbial wisdom, “Es al ñudo que lo fajen al que nació barrigón,” suggests that inherent traits will persist, underscoring the futility of pretending.
Written on the cusp of 1929, in Buenos Aires, “Qué reo sos” emerged at a time when Argentina was experiencing significant social and economic shifts. The city was a melting pot of immigrants and a burgeoning middle class aspiring to upper-class ideals, thus intensifying scrutiny over social status and manners. The tango addresses these dynamics by highlighting the absurdity of trying to escape one’s past in pursuit of societal acceptance. The humor and critique in this work hint at the tensions within a rapidly urbanizing society during a period of intense cultural competition and identity transformation.
Homero Expósito was an influential Argentinian poet and lyricist, known for his profound and often satirical tango lyrics that explored human emotions and social landscapes.