Amurado by José De Grandis

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

Story behind the Tango Amurado

“Amurado” tells the tale of deep loneliness and desolation. The speaker starts by describing his empty bed, the few possessions that remain, and a picture that keeps his memories alive. The sense of abandonment is palpable when he mentions how his partner silently leaves him, taking away the essence of his existence. The lyrical journey portrays a man who has aged, his suffering etched into his white hair, wandering the streets, seeking solace in bars to dull the pain of his solitude. Through reliving his past in agonizing solitude, he confronts the harsh reality of his loneliness, invariably driving him to despair and further into his vices.

Symbolism of Amurado

The term “Amurado” itself, translated to English as “Walled” or “Bolted up,” symbolizes a state of being abandoned or left alone in a confined emotional state. The stark imagery of a desolate bed and the mention of old clothes symbolize his static and unchanging life post his partner’s departure. The “cuadrito” or small picture frame mentioned signifies clinging memories and a haunted past. The streets and bars become metaphors for his search for escape and fleeting happiness, suggesting a deeper societal reflection on loneliness and the human condition. Intoxication, described as carrying the heart in a ‘drunken’ state, highlights the coping mechanisms of the emotionally devastated.

Amurado in historic Context

The emotional narrative and cultural background of “Amurado” are deeply rooted in the early 20th-century Argentine society. During this period, Tango was not only a dance form but also an expression of deeper social and personal narratives. The lyrics reflect the struggles, melancholy, and escapism that were prevalent among the people facing economic and social upheaval. The vivid descriptions of everyday settings and personal grief echo the turbulent feelings prevalent in the historical and geographic context of Argentina during this era.

José De Grandis

José De Grandis was an influential figure in the world of Tango, known for his poignant lyrics that often explored themes of love, loss, and existential sorrow.