Con alma de tango by Carlos Waiss

Con alma de tango is a Tango written by Carlos Waiss and composed by Juan D’Arienzo.

Story behind the Tango Con alma de tango

The lyrics of “Con alma de tango” poignantly capture the essence of the tango both as a dance and as a musical genre, characterized by deep emotions and complex feelings. The phrase “Yo soy el alma misma de mi tango” which translates to “I am the very soul of my tango,” establishes a personal connection between the narrator and the tango, suggesting a deep, intrinsic link to the dance’s emotional and cultural fabric. The lyrics explore themes of sorrow, disillusionment, and lost love, common in tango music, painting a vivid picture of personal despair and longing that mirrors the passionate and often melancholic movements of the dance.

Symbolism of Con alma de tango

The symbolism in “Con alma de tango” is rich and evocative, using metaphors of weather and elements to deepen the emotional narrative. References to “rainy afternoon,” “gust of storm,” and “handful of ashes without heat” convey a feeling of bleakness and fading passion, effectively capturing the despair of a love lost. These elements also allude to the volatile and transient nature of feelings and experiences, resonating with the sultry and abrupt movements in tango dancing. The repeated theme of a “gray afternoon” symbolizes an ongoing, pervasive melancholy, while “the wine of remembrance” that must fill an empty glass suggests clinging to memories of past loves and experiences as a source of solace or pain.

Con alma de tango in historic Context

“Con alma de tango” was written in Argentina in 1971, a period marked by political and social upheaval. This context might have influenced its themes of disillusionment and longing. The early 1970s in Argentina were a time of instability, which preceded the repressive military dictatorship that would take full control in 1976. The lyrics’ focus on personal ailment and societal sorrow could also be reflecting a broader sense of communal grief and loss felt during this tumultuous period. Furthermore, Buenos Aires, often the backdrop for tango music, with its rich cultural tapestry and history of nurturing the tango, adds another layer of depth to the song, situating it within a locale synonymous with passionate expressions of sorrow and nostalgia.

Carlos Waiss

Carlos Waiss is renowned for his poignant lyrical contributions to Argentine tango music. His works often reflect deep emotional landscapes and cultural nuances.