Ay Mimosa by Carlos Waiss

Ay Mimosa is a Tango written by Carlos Waiss and composed by Juan D’Arienzo y Fulvio Salamanca.

Story behind the Tango Ay Mimosa

The song “Ay Mimosa” encapsulates the profound yearning and suffering of unrequited love. The protagonist expresses deep adoration for Mimosa, imploring not for her pity, but for mutual love. This narrative is woven into the Tango’s melancholic melodies, bringing forth the recurring theme of love and heartache often prevalent in Tango lyrics.

Symbolism of Ay Mimosa

Symbolism richly embroiders the lyrics of “Ay Mimosa,” with expressive imagery that intensifies the emotional plea. The reference to ‘the april of your mouth’ symbolizes desire burning bright, portraying passion as a blossoming spring in contrast to possibly colder realities. Such poetic devices amplify the emotional depth of the narrative. Most notably, the phrase “tengo la fortuna de tu amor de miel y rosa” reflects the juxtaposition of sweet (honey) and beautiful yet thorny (rose) facets of love. Here, the ‘rose’ and ‘honey’ imagery vividly captures the pleasure and pain intermingled in passionate affections.

Ay Mimosa in historic Context

The year 1956 in Argentina, when “Ay Mimosa” was recorded, was notably a period of social and political transformation, significantly influencing culture and the arts. Coming after the tumultuous era of Juan Perón’s presidency, the country was experiencing a wave of emotional and cultural introspection. Tangos of this period often reflected such sentiments, embodying the complex interplays of hope, disillusionment, passion, and resilience. “Ay Mimosa” can be seen as a portrayal of personal emotions amidst broader societal shifts.

Carlos Waiss

Carlos Waiss was an esteemed lyricist and composer in the Argentine Tango scene, known for his profound and emotive lyrics that resonated deeply within the heart of Tango culture.