Después by Homero Manzi

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

Story behind the Tango Después

‘Después’ translates to ‘After’ in English, encapsulating the essence of reflections on what comes after pivotal moments, whether they be endings or transitions. The lyrics unfold a journey through time, from a painful present to an indefinite future, illuminated by the raw emotive power of Tango. It carries the listener through a narrative of grief, introspection, and ultimately, the human pursuit of meaning and continuance despite sorrow.

Symbolism of Después

The lyrics are laden with potent imagery and symbolism. The opening lines, “La luna en sangre y tu emoción,” or “The blood moon and your emotion,” set a dramatic scene connecting a powerful natural phenomenon with deep personal feeling, suggesting a climactic change or realization. Elements like “la noche enorme en el cristal,” or “the huge night in the glass,” may symbolize the barrier between the individual and the external world, highlighting feelings of isolation or detachment.

Después in Historic Context

The Tango was penned and recorded in 1981, a time that for Argentina was tinged with political and social upheaval. The emotional depth and reflection in ‘Después’ may mirror the collective national experience of uncertainty and the search for resilience. Such contexts enrich the Tango’s expressions of personal and societal struggle, echoing the sentiments of a nation grappling with its identity and future.

Homero Manzi

Homero Manzi was a prominent Argentine lyricist famed for his profound and evocative tangos, which often painted vivid pictures of life and dark emotional landscapes.