El Gitano

Tabaré Cardozo's song 'El Gitano' paints a vivid picture of a mysterious and charismatic figure, the Gypsy, who embodies the spirit of the carnival. The lyrics describe him with a mix of awe and fear, highlighting his serpentine eyes, demonic tongue, and white hair. This character is not just a person but a symbol of the carnival's chaotic and transformative energy. He leads a crew of Pierrot-clad revelers, chasing the dawn in a bathtub, a metaphor for the unpredictable and whimsical nature of carnival celebrations.

The Gypsy is portrayed as a pirate of February, the month of carnival, commanding an infernal ship that changes its crew as it sails through the night. His presence is both captivating and intimidating, with a silence more fearsome than his voice, suggesting a deep, underlying power. The lyrics also hint at his dangerous honesty, likening it to a demonic arrow, and his ability to laugh in the face of the devil, emphasizing his fearless and rebellious nature.

Throughout the song, the Gypsy's words are described as fiery rays, and his sincerity is untamable, reflecting his role as a truth-teller and a disruptor. His justice is likened to that of a camarero, a term that can refer to a waiter or a comrade, suggesting a sense of fairness and loyalty. The Gypsy's enigmatic and powerful presence is a central theme, making him a legendary figure within the carnival, a time when societal norms are upended, and the extraordinary becomes possible.