Afiches

The song 'Afiches' by Homero Expósito is a poignant portrayal of disillusionment and the pain of lost love. The lyrics speak of the cruel reality of aging and the loss of youth, as represented by the image of a person on a poster ('afiche' in Spanish). The poster becomes a metaphor for how youth and beauty are commodified and sold, with the illusion of happiness and love being marketed to the masses. The protagonist of the song reflects on the image of their loved one on this poster, symbolizing how they have become distant and unattainable, just like the false promises of the advertisement.

The song delves into the theme of personal sacrifice for love, with the narrator recounting the efforts made to provide a home and happiness, only to be left with bitterness and regret. The repeated line '¡Dan ganas de balearse en un rincón!' translates to 'It makes you want to shoot yourself in a corner!' which starkly expresses the depth of the narrator's despair. The imagery of the night giving its 'dark circles' to the window and the air painting spring with its brush further emphasizes the contrast between the external world's renewal and the internal world of the narrator, which is filled with loss and sorrow.

Homero Expósito, an Argentine lyricist and poet, is known for his contributions to the tango genre. His work often explores complex emotions and social commentary through evocative language. 'Afiches' is a classic example of his style, blending melancholy with a critique of how society objectifies and discards individuals, particularly women, as they age. The song is a lament for the ephemeral nature of youth and the harsh reality of love that can be as fleeting as the images on a poster.