El viejo vals by José González Castillo

El viejo vals is a Tango written by José González Castillo and composed by Charlo.

Story behind the Tango El viejo vals

The lyrics of “El viejo vals” poignantly reflect a nostalgic romance set to the languid rhythm of a Chopin waltz. José González Castillo narrates a tale of confession and unrequited love during a dance. The protagonist reveals his feelings to his beloved, only to realize that her interest lay more in the waltz itself than in his declaration. This waltz evokes memories of the pain of lost love and serves as a reminder of the fleeting beauty of intimate moments once shared.

Symbolism of El viejo vals

In “El viejo vals,” the waltz symbolizes both the setting and the emotional backdrop of the narrative. The revolving, dizzying motion of the dance reflects the emotional turmoil and the whirlwind of feelings experienced by the protagonist. The repeated reference to the “languid pace” of the dance parallels the slow, painful realization of unreciprocated feelings. Moreover, the firefly, or “falena,” vividly symbolizes the protagonist’s fervor and fleeting fascination, drawn irresistibly to the light, yet ultimately doomed to be burned by its enchanting allure.

El viejo vals in historic Context

“El viejo vals” was composed in 1951, a period that followed pivotal social and cultural shifts in Argentina after World War II. The longing and melancholy embedded in the song resonate with the collective sentiment of a society navigating through the uncertainties of the post-war era. The romanticism of the waltz, intertwined with a nostalgic dose of reality, reflects a common emotional landscape of the time, characterized by both the yearning for the simplicity of the past and the acceptance of the inevitable changes brought by modernity.

José González Castillo

A renowned poet and playwright, José González Castillo was a pivotal figure in the Argentine cultural scene, known for his deep and poignant contributions to the literature and lyrics of Tango.