Alguien by Eugenio Majul

Alguien is a Tango written by Eugenio Majul and composed by Héctor Stamponi.

Story behind the Tango Alguien

In “Alguien,” Eugenio Majul crafts a narrative steeped in introspection and existential quest, using a romantic encounter as a backdrop. The lyrics reveal a protagonist who encounters love unexpectedly (“La calle me dio tu vida”), suggesting a spontaneous and perhaps fateful meeting that brings with it an intense emotional journey. The mention of the other person being “sola y herida” (alone and wounded) portrays a shared experience of vulnerability which becomes a foundational element of their brief connection. The song reflects on the transient nature of this encounter, filled with sweetness and bitterness (“¿De sal?… ¿de miel?”), symbolizing life’s fleeting pleasures and inevitable pains.

Symbolism of Alguien

Majul’s use of contrasting images like salt and honey (“¿De sal?… ¿de miel?”) provides a vivid depiction of the dualities in human emotions and relationships, which can be both healing and painful. The reference to a “fetiche, al fin, de yeso” (plaster fetish, in the end) suggests the fragility of the relationship, underlining its superficial and temporary nature despite the deep emotional involvement. The lyrical journey through hope, disillusionment, and despair is encapsulated in the metaphor of a butterfly (“la mariposa azul”)—symbolic of beauty, transformation, and the elusive nature of happiness. Further, the term “el barro a nuestros pies” (the mud at our feet) powerfully conveys the grounded, inevitable reality they cannot escape, emphasizing the struggle and groundedness in everyday life.

Alguien in historic Context

“Alguien” was penned and recorded in Argentina in 1956, a period marked by political and social upheaval. This context of uncertainty and transformation in Argentine society could be mirrored in the personal turmoils and societal observations expressed in the tango. Streets and corners mentioned in the lyrics can be seen as metaphors for crossroads in life, decisions to be made amidst societal changes. This setting provides a poignant backdrop to the themes of searching for authenticity and connection in a rapidly changing world, making “Alguien” resonate with listeners navigating the complexities of mid-20th-century Argentina.

Eugenio Majul

Eugenio Majul was a noted lyricist in the Argentine tango scene, renowned for his ability to intertwine complex emotions with everyday narratives.