Al compás del corazón (Late un corazón) by Homero Expósito

Al compás del corazón (Late un corazón) is a Tango written by Homero Expósito and composed by Domingo Federico.

Story behind the Tango Al compás del corazón (Late un corazón)

‘Al compás del corazón’ (Beating Heart) poignantly explores themes of longing, love, and the anticipation of a reunion. The lyrics express the heartbeat’s figurative momentum as it syncs with emotional peaks and falls, illustrating a deep personal journey. Homero Expósito manipulates the metaphor of a heart beating not just as a vital organ but as an emblem of emotional life, pumping with joy at the mere thought of a loved one’s return. When he writes, “Late un corazón porque he de verte / nuevamente” (A heart beats because I shall see you again), it signifies an undying hope and anticipation for the approaching reunion.

Symbolism of Al compás del corazón (Late un corazón)

The heart in this tango stands symbolically for not just love but also for the seat of complex emotions. When Expósito repeats “Late un corazón” (A heart beats), he isn’t just referring to physical palpitations but also invoking the emotional turbulence undergone in separation and the sweet anticipation of reunion. Phrases such as “Miente mi soñar, déjame mentir” (My dreaming lies; let me lie), juxtapose the harsh reality with the solace found in dreams, underscoring the complexity of human emotions in relationships. The anticipation grows as the rhythm of heartbeats aligns with the “compás” (beat) of Tango, constructing a bridge between palpable reality and metaphorical desires, emphasizing the union’s emotional depth.

Al compás del corazón (Late un corazón) in historic Context

Recorded in 1969 in Argentina, this tango comes from a period rich in political and social upheaval. The year 1969 in Argentina marks a time of intense civil unrest and reflects a society grappling with rapid changes. The nostalgia and longing for reunion in the song likely mirror a broader cultural yearning for stability and familiarity in the face of societal change. The theme of return and the poetic plea for continuity through heartbeats could be seen as an echo of the collective desire for a reconnection with peace and happier times in Argentine history.

Homero Expósito

Homero Expósito was an influential Argentine lyricist and poet, renowned for his profound and emotive contributions to the Tango genre. He often collaborated with notable composers to create enduring works that resonate deeply within the culture of Tango.