Amurado by José De Grandis

Amurado is a Tango written by José De Grandis and composed by Pedro Maffia.

Story behind the Tango Amurado

The lyrics of “Amurado” tell a sorrowful story of abandonment and desolation which follows after the narrator’s partner leaves him. Beginning with a metaphorical ‘tolling’ of his desolated bed (catrera), the setting immediately enforces the tone of loneliness. The narrator’s reflection on the scant objects left behind, which include old clothes and a picture, highlights the emptiness felt in their absence. As the story unfolds, the partner’s departure is deeply felt, presented without anger or accusations, just a resigned acceptance in the words “¡Todo acabó!” implying that everything ended.

Symbolism of Amurado

The word “Amurado” itself, typically translated as “moored” or perhaps more poetically as “walled-off,” symbolizes feeling stuck or trapped in a state of emotional desolation. This term reflects the narrator’s inability to move beyond his sorrow. The recurring imagery of old clothes, a lonesome room, and gritty bars where he seeks happiness, all enhance the sense of despondency. Metaphorically, he speaks to his room as if it were a companion in despair, and his references to ‘going mad’ and ‘seeking happiness’ in bars reveal his ineffective attempts to find solace.

Amurado in historic Context

Created in 1959, “Amurado” emerges in post-Peronist Argentina, a period marked by social and political upheaval. This societal instability could be mirrored in the personal instability and despair depicted in the tango’s lyrics. During this period, tango was not just a dance or musical genre; it was a poignant expression of deeper social narratives, exploring themes like loss, nostalgia, and the pain of the common people.

José De Grandis

José De Grandis, an influential lyricist in the realm of Tango, is renowned for his poignant articulation of emotion, particularly sentiments of sadness and nostalgia.