Como dos extraños by José María Contursi

Como dos extraños is a Tango written by José María Contursi and composed by Pedro Laurenz.

Story behind the Tango Como dos extraños

The lyrics of “Como dos extraños” reveal a deep, poignant narrative of two former lovers who reunite only to find they have become strangers to each other. The speaker voices an experience of profound disillusionment and loss, recounting how solitude and the fear of dying away from the beloved lead to a desperate search for reconciliation. However, the encounter only serves to confirm that the bond and the love they once shared have irrevocably changed, leaving the speaker with shattered hopes and a heartache.

Symbolism of Como dos extraños

The title and key phrase of the song, “Como dos extraños” which translates to “Like two strangers,” symbolizes the vast emotional distance that has grown between the lovers. The coldness in the conversation symbolizes the irreversible transformation in their relationship, likening it to the setting sun that dims the warmth and light, emphasizing the end of their love. The lament for lost “ilusión y la fe” (illusion and faith) underscores the desolation and finality of their parting. Tears and the reference to “destrozado el corazón” (shattered heart) express the profound emotional impact of the disillusionment.

Como dos extraños in historic Context

The tango was recorded in 1968, a period of significant cultural and political shifts in Argentina. This era witnessed the rise of various social movements and often tumultuous political changes. In this context, the themes of disillusionment and existential angst in “Como dos extraños” resonate with a broader sense of uncertainty and transformation in the society. The tango, a genre deeply intertwined with Argentine identity, serves as a poignant reflection of the personal losses and emotional disconnection experienced during times of change.

José María Contursi

José María Contursi was a prominent lyricist in the golden age of Argentine Tango, renowned for his profoundly emotive and often melancholic lyrics.