Un copetín by José Fernández

Un copetín is a Tango written by José Fernández and composed by Juan Maglio.

Story behind the Tango Un copetín

In “Un copetín,” the lyrics reveal a deep lament over lost love, articulated through the act of drinking. The phrase “Un copetín” refers to a small drink, or a shot, used here both literally and symbolically to cope with the singer’s heartache. The protagonist reminisces about a past lover, expressing his sorrow and nostalgia for the relationship that no longer is, manifesting his pain through the repeated consumption of these drinks. Each glass represents his attempt to drown the memories that haunt him, highlighting the profound solitude and despair that accompanies his memories of a happier time.

Symbolism of Un copetín

The tango utilizes the simple act of drinking as a profound symbol of the singer’s attempt to numb his emotional pain. The repetition of “Un copetín” emphasizes the cycle of temporary relief followed by returning grief. Furthermore, “¿Dónde andará la Vasca?” introduces a specific character, la Vasca, symbolizing reminiscence and longing for a lost love who has moved on without him, evident in her absence. This absence fuels the singer’s despair, as he dives deeper into his memories, unable to escape the grip of the past. His journey through recollection becomes a poignant reflection on loss, the passage of time, and the lingering effects of unfulfilled love.

Un copetín in historic Context

Created in 1952 in Argentina, “Un copetín” is embedded within the socio-economic landscape of post-World War II Argentina, a time of significant political and social changes. This context enriches the song’s theme of despair and nostalgia, as it mirrors the societal transformation and uncertainty of the time. The reference to the characters’ past and their changing lives might be an allegory for the shifting Argentine identity, struggling between the traditional and the modern under the pressures of contemporary social changes.

José Fernández

José Fernández was an influential lyricist whose work captured the complex emotions and daily lives of people, set against the backdrop of Argentina’s evolving cultural landscape.