Como aquella princesa by José María Contursi

Como aquella princesa is a Tango written by José María Contursi and composed by Joaquín Mora.

Story behind the Tango Como aquella princesa

“Como aquella princesa” transports listeners into a narrative of love, longing, and emotional turmoil. The lyrics describe the narrator’s profound affection and the simultaneous joy and pain it brings. Starting with the image of a “desmayada” (faded) star alongside the light of the beloved’s gaze, this poetic tableau sets the mood of melancholy tinged with brightness. The lovers resemble characters from a children’s storybook, with him as the timid page and her as a radiant princess, an allegory that reflects their romantic and dreamlike association.

Symbolism of Como aquella princesa

The tale of a princess and a page from a children’s book serves as the central metaphor, symbolizing the ideal-ish yet possibly unreachable nature of the love depicted. The star fading next to the beloved’s gaze symbolizes diminishing hope or waning presence, contrasted against the enduring brightness of love in her eyes. References to prayers and gentle physical touches, like intertwined hands or shared breaths, enhance the spiritual and intimate dimensions of their bond. These images amplify the deep, almost celestial connection between the two characters, colored by an underlying sadness.

Como aquella princesa in historic Context

Written and recorded in 1937 Argentina, “Como aquella princesa” emerged during a rich period for Tango, where the genre often fused dramatic narratives with deep emotional expressions against the backdrop of Argentina’s complex socio-political environment. During this era, tango was a reflection of the common people’s sentiments and struggles, often encapsulating themes of love, sorrow, and nostalgia, which provided an escape from the hardships of everyday life. Contursi, by placing a timeless fairy tale at the heart of a modern emotional saga, bridges traditional storytelling with contemporary feelings of desire and despair.

José María Contursi

José María Contursi was a prolific Argentine tango lyricist, known for his deeply emotional and often heart-wrenching lyrics.