Margot

Edmundo Rivero's song 'Margot' paints a vivid picture of a woman's transformation from humble beginnings to a life of superficial glamour. The lyrics are rich with imagery and cultural references, capturing the essence of Buenos Aires' tango culture and the societal shifts of the time. The song tells the story of Margot, who was once known as Margarita, a woman who has changed drastically in her pursuit of a more luxurious lifestyle.

The song begins by describing Margot's origins in a poor neighborhood, hinting at her humble beginnings with phrases like 'naciste en la mugre de un convento de arrabal' (you were born in the filth of a suburban convent). The narrator observes that despite her new appearance and lifestyle, there is something about her that betrays her past. This could be her mannerisms, her way of dressing, or simply the way she carries herself. The lyrics suggest that Margot's transformation is not entirely genuine, as she still bears the marks of her past life.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that Margot's new life is filled with superficial pleasures and empty relationships. She is described as dancing tango with 'un buen gil' (a fool), surrounded by admirers and indulging in luxuries like champagne and cigars. However, the narrator reveals that Margot's fall into this lifestyle was not due to external influences but her own desires and ambitions. The song criticizes her for abandoning her roots and her family, particularly her mother, who still lives in poverty and works hard to make ends meet.

The final verses of the song express the narrator's disdain for Margot's transformation. He recalls a time when she had almost nothing to wear, contrasting it with her current wardrobe of silk and rococo roses. The narrator's anger and disappointment are palpable as he laments the loss of the woman he once knew. The change in her name from Margarita to Margot symbolizes her complete departure from her former self and the values she once held. Through 'Margot,' Rivero delivers a poignant commentary on the dangers of social climbing and the loss of identity that can come with it.