Historia De Mate Cosido

Juan Carlos Baglietto's song "Historia De Mate Cosido" delves into the enigmatic life and death of a legendary figure, Mate Cosido, a notorious Argentine outlaw. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who lived on the fringes of society, embodying both rebellion and resilience. The imagery of sitting among wood and falling flowers, combined with the burning tobacco and the cross of ships, evokes a sense of solitude and contemplation, perhaps reflecting on a life filled with peril and adventure.

The song's narrative unfolds with a sense of foreboding and inevitability. The mention of a fiesta and the subsequent rain at dawn suggests a fleeting moment of joy overshadowed by the harsh realities of life. Mate Cosido's possessions—his revolver, jacket, axe, traps, and old dogs—symbolize his rugged existence and readiness for the challenges he faces. The lyrics hint at his awareness of an impending end, as he speaks of changing his shirt and dagger, preparing for a final confrontation with the authorities.

The song also touches on themes of honor and legacy. The idea that an official would write about his death as a drowning, securing a promotion and a stable family life, contrasts sharply with Mate Cosido's own turbulent existence. This juxtaposition highlights the societal divide between those who uphold the law and those who live outside it. The final lines, where the river is personified as stopping at the appointed hour, suggest a dramatic and inevitable conclusion to Mate Cosido's story, likened to a stabbing or an additional hand in a game, emphasizing the inescapable fate that awaits him.