Sos una maquieta by

Sos una maquieta is a Tango written by and composed by Rodolfo Sciammarella.

Story behind the Tango Sos una maquieta

“Sos una maquieta” tells the story of a woman who is deeply flawed yet pretends to be sophisticated and above others. The narrator describes her physical and social shortcomings with a comedic, yet critical tone. The song paints an unflattering picture of her self-delusion and societal pretentiousness despite her apparent lack of grace and elegance. The narrator’s perspective suggests both frustration and amusement at her antics, highlighting the disparity between who she thinks she is and how she is perceived by others.

Symbolism of Sos una maquieta

The tango’s lyrics use vivid, sometimes humorous descriptions that imbue the work with both realism and metaphor. “Sos una aburrida, pero andás paqueta” suggests the woman’s inherent dullness, yet she maintains an air of high class, which is referred to as “paqueta.” This symbolizes the social façade she upholds. The term “Gorrión sin plumaje” metaphorically conveys someone who is struggling to fit in or gain acceptance, like a featherless sparrow trying to fly. “Colectivo en llanta que no agarra viaje!” symbolizes failure to progress or achieve success, much like a bus that cannot move due to having a flat tire.

Sos una maquieta in historic Context

Written in 1929 in Buenos Aires, “Sos una maquieta” reflects the social dynamics of early 20th-century Argentina. At that time, Buenos Aires was a rapidly growing city with a vibrant mix of cultures and classes. The tango music genre often served as social commentary on issues such as class disparity, modernity, and gender roles. In this context, “Sos una maquieta” critiques societal pretensions and superficiality in a time of immense social change. The mention of “Balneario” highlights a popular recreational spot where social classes mingled, emphasizing the woman’s attempts to appear affluent in a cosmopolitan setting.

Overview of

Rodolfo Sciammarella was a renowned Argentine composer, known for his witty and satirical contributions to the tango genre. He was prolific in the early 20th century, capturing the societal nuances of Buenos Aires through his engaging musical works.