“Pain, the Magnificent”: Fito Páez and Sorrow in Argentine Rock

Abstract

The theory of the “topos of sorrow” developed by Melanie Plesch (2014) in her study of Argentine musical nationalism, finds its roots in the epic poem Martín Fierro by José Hernández from the 19th century, identifying the “extraordinary sorrow” as a recurring element in Argentine literature and music. This article revisits that idea and proposes that, in the following centuries, this sentiment manifests not only in folklore and tango but also in Argentine rock, particularly in the compositions of Fito Páez. His lyrics reflect various forms of sadness and ways of coping with it, creating a musical space for the expression and transmission of profound emotions. Páez demonstrates how rock can address difficult human experiences and transform them into resonant poetic expressions, keeping the capacity to create poetry through music alive. This article shows how Páez’s songs encapsulate and perpetuate the tradition of “extraordinary sorrow” offering a unique form of emotional and cultural connection within the national Argentine identity.