Derecho viejo by

Derecho viejo is a Tango written by and composed by Eduardo Arolas.

Story behind the Tango Derecho viejo

The tango “Derecho viejo” reflects the unique blend of nostalgia and melancholy that defines much of the tango genre. It speaks to the emotional currents of Buenos Aires, capturing the essence of the city’s nightlife and the wistful remnants of past loves. The lyrics evoke a deep yearning for things that are gone, a signature element in tango music and culture, symbolizing the passage of time and lost romance.

Symbolism of Derecho viejo

Throughout “Derecho viejo,” the bandoneón, a type of accordion pivotal in tango music, emerges as a symbol of emotional expression. It metaphorically weeps for love lost, conveying the cultural sentiment of longing and regret. Phrases like “canyengue y tristón” (streetwise and sad) embody both the physical movement associated with tango and the deep melancholic undercurrent typical of this musical tradition. The “noche porteña” (night of Buenos Aires) represents a fusion of elegant, sensual joy mixed with sorrow, suggesting a city alive with emotion yet haunted by memories.

Derecho viejo in historic Context

Composed in 1939, “Derecho viejo” arises from an era when Buenos Aires was experiencing social and cultural changes. The late 1930s were a time of political tension in Argentina, as well as economic challenges arising from global events. The tango, often performed in the city’s salon dance halls (“Señor de salón”), embodies both a social escape and a reflective acknowledgment of daily hardships. The melancholic yet passionate tone of the song mirrors the zeitgeist of pre-war Argentina, a country rich in culture yet dealing with the complexities of modernity.

Eduardo Arolas, the composer of “Derecho viejo,” was a prominent figure in shaping tango music. Known as “El Tigre del Bandoneón,” he was instrumental in defining the classical tango sound during the early 20th century.