Si nace chancleta by Vicente Bonvissuto

Si nace chancleta is a Tango written by Vicente Bonvissuto and composed by Mario Demarco.

Story behind the Tango Si nace chancleta

The lyrical content of “Si nace chancleta” reveals a poignant, deeply emotional narrative centered around familial expectations and the reality of parenthood. The song begins with a man expressing anger and disappointment at the possibility of having a daughter instead of a son, which he views as the destruction of his great hopes. However, as the story unfolds, this daughter, described with celestial and delicate imagery like “copito de nieve” (snowflake) and “capullito en flor” (budding flower), brings immense joy and becomes the light of his life. The narrative takes a tragic turn as it seems the daughter falls ill or dies, reflected by neighborhood whispers and the deflated enthusiasm of the man entering his home to find silence where there once was life.

Symbolism of Si nace chancleta

“Si nace chancleta” delves into deep symbolism, particularly through its use of metaphors. The phrase “con ojos de cielo” (with eyes of the sky) symbolizes innocence and the divine origin of the child, linking her to a celestial purity. The heartbreaking transformation from lively embraces to “bracitos dormidos” (sleeping little arms) and “ojitos cerrados” (closed eyes) intensifies the tragedy, symbolizing the loss of life and the quiet that accompanies absence. Additionally, the song title itself, “Si nace chancleta,” which translates to “If born a flip-flop,” colloquially, connotes something thrown together or of little importance, reflecting societal undervaluing of female children during that era.

Si nace chancleta in historic Context

“Si nace chancleta” emerged in 1959 Argentina, a cultural landscape steep in traditional gender roles and expectations. The preference for a male heir portrayed in the tango mirrors the prevalent societal norm where males were often favored for family inheritance and continuity reasons. This song, therefore, not only serves as a narrative about personal loss but also subtly critiques the gender biases deeply embedded in Argentine society of that time. It emphasises the emotional bonds and irreversible love that can exist regardless of gender, challenging the prevailing cultural narratives.

Vicente Bonvissuto

Vicente Bonvissuto was an influential figure in the Tango genre, renowned for his poignant lyrics which often explored complex human emotions and societal themes.