Así es Ninón by Juan Larenza

Así es Ninón is a Tango written by and composed by Juan Larenza.

Story behind the Tango Así es Ninón

The tango “Así es Ninón” is a poignant exploration of a woman’s enduring yet painful journey through life. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, the lyrics paint a picture of Ninón as a quietly sorrowful and compassionate figure, marked by her profound resilience. The narrative delves into themes of unfulfilled dreams, forgotten romances, and a soul permeated by shadow and persistent forgiveness, reflecting the innate melancholy often found in tango.

Symbolism of Así es Ninón

The lyrics use rich symbolism to deepen the portrayal of Ninón. Her “negro carbón” hair and “noche parda en sus ojos” evoke a sense of darkness and mystery, while the “pálida de azahar y luna” suggests both purity and sadness. These images convey her dual nature—simultaneously tender and weary. The “rosario de mil desvelos” symbolizes a chain of sleepless nights, hinting at her endless waiting. Language choices such as “vida de sombra” and “flor ajada” highlight deterioration and lost potential, while “perdón” indicates a redeeming grace in her sorrowful life.

Así es Ninón in historic Context

Written in Buenos Aires in 1946, a city famously associated with tango, these lyrics reflect post-World War II sentiments and the romantic melancholy prevalent in Argentine culture. It was a period marked by social change and existential reflection, which influenced tango compositions to delve deep into themes of longing, loss, and introspection. The cultural context of Buenos Aires—a melting pot of European influences and local traditions—also shapes the lugubrious and intricate nature of this piece.

Juan Larenza

Juan Larenza was a notable tango composer, contributing significantly to the genre with works that explore deep emotional and cultural facets of Argentine life.