Retintín by Gabriel Clausi

Retintín is a Tango written by Gabriel Clausi and composed by Eduardo Arolas.

Story behind the Tango Retintín

The lyrics of “Retintín” narrate the search for love and emotion in the bustling streets of Argentina. The speaker, possibly representing a younger or everyman figure, called “Rafael”, is in pursuit of the elusive “dueña de tu amor” or “owner of your love”, indicating a quest for a romantic partner. This Tango captures the essence of longing and searching, set against the backdrop of Argentine culture with its rich tradition of Tango as both music and dance.

Symbolism of Retintín

“Retintín” symbolizes the persistent quest for love and emotional fulfillment. The phrase “Soy un retintín, campana de arrabal” which translates to “I am a retintín, bell of the suburbs”, suggests a relentless and echoing call, much like a bell that resonates across the neighborhood. This symbolizes the character’s continuous and resonant search for love. The emotional landscape of the Tango is intricately woven with symbols of local culture, such as “Patio bordado de tango” and “lindas minas orilleras”, painting a vivid picture of the local setting where this search takes place.

Retintín in Historic Context

“Retintín” was created in 1936, during a rich period of Tango history in Argentina. This era was marked by a flourish of cultural expression that used Tango as a form of social narrative. The historical context deepens the understanding of Tango as more than just music and dance but as a vibrant, living chronicle of the times. 1936 was a time steeped in tradition yet on the cusp of modernization, factors that likely influence the thematic elements of searching and nostalgia evident in the lyrics.

Gabriel Clausi

Gabriel Clausi was a notable figure in the Argentine Tango scene, known for his deep contributions to the genre both as a lyricist and musician.