Después by Homero Manzi

Después is a Tango written by Homero Manzi and composed by Hugo Gutiérrez.

Story behind the Tango Después

“Después” encapsulates themes of nostalgia, loss, and the profound struggle against existential despair. The lyrics open with stark images: a blood-colored moon and a foreboding cloud, suggesting an ominous and conclusive event. The emotional detachment of the lover’s eyes and their silent tears speak to a deep, personal tragedy, likely the end of a relationship or a phase of life. Further on, the lines speak of fighting against fatigue and an eventual, quiet demise, highlighting a brutal resignation to fate. The words craft a narrative of enduring pain and the fleeting nature of existence, expressed through the dark, turbulent imagery that Manzi masterfully employs.

Symbolism of Después

In “Después,” Homero Manzi uses potent symbols to amplify the emotions of defeat and desolation. “La luna en sangre” (the blood-colored moon) typically signals significant change or upheaval. This celestial symbolism, coupled with “el anticipo del final” (the anticipation of the end), imbues the tango with a sense of fatalism. The “oscuro nubarrón” (dark cloud) further lends to the gloomy forecast of the narrative’s progression, enveloping the character’s future in shadow. “Tu piel como de nieve” (your skin like snow) connotes both coldness and fragility, emphasizing the starkness of emotional detachment and the fragility of human connection. Manzi’s evocative language serves to deepen the reflection on the transient and often painful nature of human experiences.

Después in Historic Context

Written in 1944, a period marked by global and local unrest, “Después” reflects the broader existential uncertainties of its time. Argentina in the 1940s was under significant political and social transformation, leading to instability and introspection among its populace. These broader societal concerns are mirrored in the tango’s themes of memory, loss, and the relentless march of time—common sentiments in an era riddled with change and upheaval. The repeated mentions of fighting, fatigue, and the struggle for existence in the song align with the historical sense of collective fatigue felt by many during this turbulent period.

Homero Manzi

Homero Manzi was a renowned Argentine lyricist and filmmaker, celebrated for his profound and poignant lyrics that deeply resonated with the Argentine culture.