Adelina by J. A. Torales

Adelina is a Tango written by J. A. Torales and composed by A. Moretti.

Story behind the Tango Adelina

“Adelina,” captures the intense emotional grief and memory between a mother, referred to affectionately as “madrecita” (dear little mother), and her son. The lyrics convey a heartfelt narrative of suffering and resilience as seen through the mother’s sacrificial life. The son recounts moments of deep emotional pain that are both personal and transmitted through familial affection, echoing a shared history of silent endurance and unspoken hardships. This poignant narrative unfolds in an intimate setting, revealing age-old themes of familial love and the weight of shared sorrows.

Symbolism of Adelina

The name “Adelina” itself, while serving as a personal identifier, may symbolically represent every mother or woman enduring hardship for the sake of her loved ones. The phrase “que refleja en su dulce semblante” emphasizes the mother’s strength in bearing pain while maintaining a tender demeanor. This juxtaposition of torment and sweetness paints a portrait of graceful endurance common to many maternal figures in literature and reality. The term “muerto ya en mi corazón” symbolizes a profound emotional death, hinting at both despair and a transformative rebirth through sorrow.

Adelina in Historic Context

Set in Argentina in the early 1930s, “Adelina” emerges during a period characterized by social and political change. Argentine tango, which this song embodies, often captured the essence of the people’s emotions, lifestyles, and struggles, serving as both a chronicle and a catharsis for societal issues. The emotion conveyed through these lyrics reflects not only a personal story but also a communal experience of hardship and resilience, echoing the sentiments of many Argentinians during an era of upheaval.

J. A. Torales

J. A. Torales was a lyricist who captured the subtle nuances of human emotions and societal reflections in his tangos.