Carmen by Mario Rada

Carmen is a Tango written by Mario Rada and composed by Enrique Delfino.

Story behind the Tango Carmen

“Carmen” narrates a deep emotional tale of unrequited love and desire. The song’s lyrics are addressed to Carmen, a figure whose eyes are compared to the sea because of their intense green color, symbolic of both beauty and emotional depth. The protagonist expresses a hope to encapsulate his passion in a song, highlighting Carmen’s significant impact on him and his aspiration to build a loving nest for the two of them. Yet, there’s also a struggle with pain and the desire to forget her, suggesting Carmen’s feelings may not be reciprocal.

Symbolism of Carmen

The recurring mention of Carmen’s eyes serves as a crucial symbol representing emotional connection and communication. When they reflect warmth, it signals love and hope; when cold, they mirror rejection and resentment. The transformation of the protagonist’s pain into glory, provided Carmen gives him hope, underscores the transformative power of love and acceptance. The lyrics also tackle themes of destiny and the inability to escape one’s feelings, illustrated by the lines lamenting the futility of trying to forget Carmen.

Carmen in Historic Context

Recorded in 1965, during a time when Argentine society was facing political and cultural transitions, “Carmen” reflects personal turmoil amidst societal uncertainties. The tango, a dance of passion that often encapsulates stories of love and heartache, serves as the perfect backdrop for expressing such intimate dilemmas. This period in Argentina was marked by a quest for identity and expression, both personally and nationally, which this tango captures through its lyrical plea and emotional depth.

Mario Rada

Mario Rada was an Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to the tango genre, pairing emotional depth with complex narratives in his works.