Amor pagano (2) by Arthur Freed

Amor pagano (2) is a Tango written by Arthur Freed and composed by Nacio Herb Brown.

Story behind the Tango Amor pagano (2)

The lyrics of “Amor pagano (2)” depict a scene immersed in nature, where the forest under the sunlight sets a romantic and dreamy backdrop. The speaker invites their beloved to join them in this idyllic setting, suggesting that their love will be pure and untainted in the enchantment of the wilderness. The term “pagan” in this context may refer to a love that is natural and unbound by societal norms, echoing a return to the innate and instinctual.

Symbolism of Amor pagano (2)

In “Amor pagano (2),” the forest symbolizes a secluded, almost sacred space away from the typical societal gaze, where love can exist in its most honest form. The sunlight brings warmth and clarity, casting light on the true nature of their emotions. The repeated invocation of “pagan” love could symbolize a celebration of love’s raw, fundamental essence, untamed by the constraints of conventional morality or religious oversight.

Amor pagano (2) in Historic Context

Released in 1929, “Amor pagano (2)” emerged in a time of significant cultural shifts. During this era, many societies were grappling with the aftermath of World War I and the onset of the modern age, challenging traditional norms and embracing more liberal ideas about life and love. In Argentina, where tango was not just a dance but a cultural phenomenon, the evocation of “pagan love” might have resonated as a push against the conservative social mores of the time. Tango itself had always been a dance of deep emotions and often a conduit for more subversive ideas, making “Amor pagano (2)” a perfect reflection of its time and place.

Arthur Freed

Arthur Freed was an influential American lyricist and a Hollywood film producer. His work not only spanned across many popular songs but also significantly shaped the musical landscape of American cinema.