Cafetín de Buenos Aires

Edmundo Rivero's song 'Cafetín de Buenos Aires' is a poignant reflection on the singer's formative years spent in a Buenos Aires café. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young boy, peering into the café from the outside, longing for the warmth and camaraderie within. This imagery of 'la ñata contra el vidrio' (the nose against the glass) symbolizes the boy's yearning for a world that seems just out of reach, a world that he eventually becomes a part of as he grows older.

The café serves as a metaphorical school where the singer learns about life. It is a place where he picks up habits like smoking and gains faith in his dreams and hope for love. The café is described as a 'mezcla milagrosa' (miraculous mix) of wise men and suicides, a place where he learns philosophy, gambling, and the harsh poetry of not thinking about oneself. This blend of characters and experiences shapes his understanding of the world, making the café a microcosm of life itself.

The song also delves into themes of friendship and loss. The singer reminisces about the friends he made in the café, friends who have supported him through the years. He mentions José, Marcial, and Abel, each representing different aspects of his life and growth. The café's tables, which 'never ask questions,' symbolize a place of acceptance and solace where he could express his sorrows and joys without judgment. The café becomes a sanctuary where he learns to cope with life's disappointments and finds the strength to carry on.