A las siete en el café by Santiago Adamini

A las siete en el café is a Tango written by Santiago Adamini and composed by Armando Baliotti.

Story behind the Tango A las siete en el café

The lyrics of “A las siete en el café” reveal a poignant story of a man confronting and revisiting a past love. He begins by describing a surprising encounter with his first love, a woman named Margarita, whom he had previously lost due to his lifestyle as milonguero (a tango enthusiast who frequents milongas). This chance encounter led to a realization of his mistakes and a powerful vow to return to her love, promising dedication until death.

Symbolism of A las siete en el café

The song heavily employs both the temporal setting and the informal space of the café as symbols of everyday life intersecting with profound personal change. The café, often a meeting point in Argentine culture, symbolizes a place where ordinary yet significant life events unfold. The line “A las siete en el café” can be translated to “At seven in the café,” signifying a moment of transformation punctuated not just by the time of day but by the social and personal implications of the setting. Additionally, the reoccurrence of the past, represented by the reappearance of Margarita, symbolizes the haunting of one’s decisions and the possibility of forgiveness and change.

A las siete en el café in historic Context

Set in 1943, a tumultuous era in Argentine history, marked by political instability and societal shifts, “A las siete en el café” reflects the emotional and social undertones of its time. The narrative of personal reckoning and resolution can be seen as reflective of the broader search for identity and purpose in a rapidly changing Argentina. This era also fostered a deepening of the tango culture, where tango not only served as entertainment but also as a form of personal and collective expression.

Santiago Adamini

Santiago Adamini was an Argentine tango lyricist and composer, known for his profound contributions to the genre.