Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Style
Orchestra
Singer
Author
Composer
Date
These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.
Es en vano llorar is a Tango written by Oscar Rubens and composed by Alberto Suárez Villanueva.
The lyrics of “Es en vano llorar” tell the story of a man drowned in sorrow at local bars, having been recently abandoned by a lover. His grief is visible in his demeanor and especially in his gaze, which reveals the deep bitterness in his heart. As he laments over his loss at the tables of these bars, there’s another person who grieves over his unreciprocated love. The central narrative is a poignant portrayal of the futility of dwelling on a painful past, and it encourages moving forward towards those who offer genuine affection and loyalty.
The tango uses vivid imagery and symbolism to express emotional turmoil and wisdom. Lines like “Con el alma desgarrada” (With the soul torn apart) and “la amargura de tu corazón” (the bitterness of your heart) draw a picture of profound emotional suffering. The repeated phrase “Es en vano llorar” (It is in vain to cry) symbolizes the uselessness of clinging to a painful past. Comparing the unfaithful lover to “yerba mala” (bad grass/weed), suggests something unproductive and harmful, contrasting with the “muchachita linda y buena” (pretty and good young girl), who signifies hope and positivity.
Recorded in 1943 in Argentina, “Es en vano llorar” emerges during a turbulent era marked by political strife and the impending global impact of World War II. This context may have amplified the song’s themes of loss and the search for consolation. During such times, tangos often mirrored the public’s emotional pulse, offering an escape or solace through their narrative and rhythmic complexities. The encouragement to move away from past sorrows and to embrace present opportunities for love could also reflect a societal call for hope and renewal in the face of adversity.
Oscar Rubens was a noted lyricist and playwright, recognized for his contributions to the genre of Tango with emotionally rich and vivid compositions.