Un boliche by

Un boliche is a Tango written by and composed by Carlos Acuña.

Story behind the Tango Un boliche

“Un boliche” paints a vivid picture of life in a typical Buenos Aires bar – a “boliche” – during the 1950s. It reflects the vibrant, albeit melancholic, social environment where music, alcohol, and life’s hardships mingle. The narrative captures the essence of nightly gatherings, where diverse characters frequent the establishment, each with their unique stories and struggles. The tango brings to life the atmosphere of camaraderie, vice, and occasional redemption that unfolds in these local bars, telling tales of workers, drunks, gamblers, and street-wise patrons, creating a microcosm of mid-century Buenos Aires society.

Symbolism of Un boliche

The tango is rich with symbolism that enhances its emotional depth. One key symbol is the “mesa,” representing companionship and the shared experience of patrons. The “borracho” embodies lost dreams and the escape sought in drinking. The “una copa sin monedas” signifies economic hardship, a recurring issue in the lives of the characters. Another poignant symbol is the “farol,” a beacon that silently observes the unfolding nightly saga, representing the omnipresent passage of time and its indifferent witness to human struggles.

Particularly evocative is the phrase “Papá, vamos que mamá te llama,” capturing a moment of familial duty cutting through the night’s revelry. This line highlights the intrusion of everyday responsibilities into the escapism provided by the boliche, reminding patrons of their roles beyond the confines of the bar.

Un boliche in historic Context

Composed in 1958, “Un boliche” reflects the social and cultural dynamics of post-war Buenos Aires. The city, during this period, was a melting pot of immigrants and locals exploring modern Argentine identity amidst political changes and economic challenges. Tangos like “Un boliche” provided a voice to the common people who frequented these neighborhood bars. The setting of Buenos Aires is significant, as it was, and remains, the heart of tango culture, where bars served as communal havens against the backdrop of urban solitude.

The mention of “vecina”, “zaguán”, and details like “la calle es un desierto” illustrate the local Buenos Aires landscape, grounding the song in a specific place and time. These references make the tango relatable to its audience familiar with urban Argentinian life, drawing on shared experiences and social commentaries.

was the lyricist behind “Un boliche,” collaborating with composer Carlos Acuña to capture the essence of Buenos Aires nightlife through poetic and evocative tango lyrics.