Cristal by

Cristal is a Tango written by and composed by Mariano Mores.

Story behind the Tango Cristal

The tango “Cristal” narrates the lament of a deeply emotional and reflective protagonist who is haunted by the passage of time and the fragility of love. The metaphorical comparison of love to fragile “crystal” captures the delicate nature of youthful romance, which transforms into anguish and longing as years pass by. The protagonist’s heart is described as being in pieces, mirroring the irreversible and shattered nature of their past love and experience.

Symbolism of Cristal

The lyric utilizes “crystal” as a central symbol, representing the fragility and beauty of love that is as transparent and breakable as glass. This metaphor conveys how ephemeral and precious the feelings between the lovers were, but also highlights how easily they were broken. Key phrases like “Tengo el corazón hecho pedazos” (my heart is in pieces) and “Todo para mí se ha terminado” (everything has ended for me) signify the depth of sorrow and finality felt by the protagonist. The reference to “nuestra juventud” (our youth) further emphasizes a nostalgic regret for lost time and innocence.

Cristal in historic Context

Written in Buenos Aires in 1944, “Cristal” emerges from a period marked by social changes and war-related tensions globally, which infiltrate the personal relationships and cultural expressions of the time. Buenos Aires was a vibrant center for tango music, a genre deeply embedded in the city’s soul, expressing both the melancholy and passion characteristic of Argentine identity. The years referenced in the lyrics, suggesting a long passage and the graying of the protagonist, reflect the endurance of emotional scars shaped by such a tumultuous era.

was a renown figure in the tango music scene, contributing significantly through poignant and heartfelt lyrics that explored themes of love, loss, and nostalgia.