El último farol by Catulo Castillo

El último farol is a Tango written by Catulo Castillo and composed by Aníbal Troilo.

Story behind the Tango El último farol

The lyrics of “El último farol” depict a poignant narrative of loss and nostalgia, encapsulated through the metaphor of a street lamp — the ‘last lantern’ that once witnessed moments of love and now presides over a scene of desolation and abandonment. This tango speaks volumes about a past vibrant with life, now only a memory in the quiet corners of a city. The “farol” or street lamp symbolizes the light that once shone on the lovers and their world, which has now dimmed as the protagonists part ways amidst deep sorrow.

Symbolism of El último farol

Symbolism runs deep in “El último farol,” starting with the street lamp itself, representing faded memories and the final vestiges of light before one succumbs to darkness or forgetfulness. The phrases “tan alta la ciudad que nos dejó sin sol, que nos tapó la estrella” metaphorically speak of how urban growth and life’s inevitable changes overshadow simple joys and personal connections. The farewell in the lyrics, coupled with references to the moon and snail for their quiet and reclusive nature, symbolizes a silent, creeping despair following the end of an era or a relationship.

El último farol in historic Context

Recorded in 1969, “El último farol” emerges during a period of significant cultural and political shifts in Argentina. This was a time leading into years of political unrest, which is subtly reflected in the nostalgic and somber tone of the tango. The lyrics do not just mourn personal loss but resonate with a broader sense of communal and historical loss – a lament for the ‘old’ Argentina, perceived to be fading away amidst rapid modernization and societal change.

Catulo Castillo

Catulo Castillo was a prominent Argentine poet and tango lyricist, known for his profound and emotive style, deeply ingrained in the cultural tapestry of Argentina.