Anoche a las dos by Roberto Lino Cayol

Anoche a las dos is a Tango written by Roberto Lino Cayol and composed by Raúl de los Hoyos.

Story behind the Tango Anoche a las dos

The tango “Anoche a las dos” tells a story of betrayal, despair, and retribution within the complex relationship dynamics of family, love, and societal status. A man, whom the lyrics describe as previously decent and untainted by crime, is driven to violent action because of the betrayal by a woman referred to derogatorily as ‘woman of the street’. The narrative unfolds revealing the woman’s neglect of both her partner and child while besmirching their reputations. The climax of the tale occurs when betrayal becomes too much to bear, leading to a physical altercation.

Symbolism of Anoche a las dos

Roberto Lino Cayol uses pointed language and symbolism to evoke the emotional turmoil and societal judgments embedded within the tango. The term “Gata,” meaning cat, symbolizes cunning and betrayal, positioning the woman as someone who uses her charm deceptively. Descriptions like “Mujer de la calle” (woman of the street) and “cuerpo de loca” (body of a madwoman) suggest a moral judgment on her character. The act of the shooting, followed by the vivid portrayals of response and confession, symbolizes the final breakdown of societal and personal order, triggered by intimate betrayal.

Anoche a las dos in the historic context

Set against the backdrop of 1920s Argentina, a period marked by social transformation and modernization, “Anoche a las dos” captures a snapshot of personal and societal conflicts. The lyrics reflect the era’s anxieties about morality, honor, and the disruption of traditional gender roles and family structures. During this time, tango music often served as a narrative vehicle to discuss themes like deception, passion, and social decay, encapsulating the emotional and cultural struggles of the lower and middle classes.

Roberto Lino Cayol

Roberto Lino Cayol was a lyricist and tango composer known for his emotionally charged and vivid storytelling through music, characteristic of the golden era of Argentine Tango.