Al compás del corazón (Late un corazón) by

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

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

The tango “Al compás del corazón (Late un corazón)” unfolds a poignant narrative of longing and hope. The protagonist’s heart beats with vivid anticipation of a reunion, embodying an intense mixture of fear and delight. The lyrics convey a dream-like quality, where yearning and imagination blend seamlessly, suggesting the possibility of love’s renewal despite prior separation. The repeated lyrical plea to “let the heart beat” and “let dreams lie” encapsulates the protagonist’s internal conflict between facing reality and surrendering to fantasies.

Symbolism of Al compás del corazón (Late un corazón)

The heart is a central symbol, representing both emotional resilience and vulnerability. Its beat is a motif throughout the song, mirroring the protagonist’s emotional state. Phrases like “miente mi soñar” (my dream lies) reflect the theme of deception—self-deception rooted in the longing for reconciliation. “Atarás tu ansiedad de distancias” (you will bind your anxiety of distances) speaks to the emotional toll of separation and the yearning for proximity.

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

Composed in Buenos Aires in 1953, during a time when tango was evolving in Argentina, this piece reflects the cultural and social dynamics of the era. Post-war Argentina saw tango being redefined and reaffirmed as an integral part of national identity. The emotive storytelling in this tango echoes the collective nostalgia and desire for emotional closeness in a city bustling with change and yet rooted in tradition.

was an influential figure in tango music, whose works have continued to resonate within the genre.