Piano Bar
Charly Garcia Lyrics

Charly García's "Piano Bar" is a song with layers of meaning that requires a certain level of understanding of Argentinian culture to interpret it fully. At the surface level, the song tells the story of a piano bar where different types of people come together to escape their daily lives. The opening verse speaks of "Rubias de New York" (blondes from New York) and "Fantasmas de percal" (phantoms made of cheap fabric). This line reflects the glamor that people aspire to and the facade of success that people put up in society. The chorus asks rhetorical questions, "¿Será que nací en el sur?" (Could it be that I was born in the south?) and "¿Será que encendí la luz de tu amor?" (Could it be that I lit the light of your love?), signaling the contemplation of one's existence and their search for meaning.

The second stanza of the song speaks of "Viudas de Nerón" (widows of Nero) and "Amantes de Gardel" (lovers of Gardel), two very culturally specific references. Nerón was a Roman Emperor known for his cruel acts, and the reference to "widows of Nero" symbolizes the pain and suffering that people have experienced in society. Carlos Gardel, on the other hand, was a famous tango musician from Buenos Aires whose music symbolizes the essence of Argentine culture. The line "Suena un bandoneón cerca del cabaret" (A bandoneón sounds near the cabaret) refers to the sensuality and melancholy that is often associated with tango music.

In conclusion, Charly García's "Piano Bar" is a song that speaks to the different facets of the human experience. Through its clever wordplay and cultural references, the song encourages listeners to interrogate the nature of their existence and to embrace life's complexities.