Fruta Amarga by Homero Manzi

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

Story behind the Tango Fruta Amarga

“Fruta Amarga,” or “Bitter Fruit” in English, is a tango that delves into the themes of regret, solitude, and the painful reminiscences of a past love. The lyrics express a deep sense of loss and self-reproach by narrating a story where the speaker acknowledges the pain caused to a loved one, leading to irreversible consequences. The use of phrases like “la fruta amarga de esta enorme soledad” portrays the bitterness that now fills the speaker’s life, emphasizing the long-lasting impact of their actions.

Symbolism of Fruta Amarga

The symbolism in “Fruta Amarga” enriches its emotional texture. The recurring image of “fruta amarga” symbolizes the harsh consequences of the speaker’s actions—once sweet, now turned irrevocably bitter. Another poignant symbol is the “nube” or “cloud” that appears multiple times within the lyrics, representing the obscured, melancholic state following the separation. This cloud conveys a sense of confusion and loss, acting almost as a barrier between the past happiness and current sorrow.

Fruta Amarga in historic Context

Written in 1945, “Fruta Amarga” emerged during a time that was hugely significant both in Argentina and globally. The end of World War II was approaching, bringing a mix of relief, mourning, and existential reevaluation. This broader context of reflection and transition may have influenced Manzi’s introspective lyrics, which examine personal regrets and the yearning for redemption. The societal introspection and the personal reflection in the tango are a reflection of the times—a world recovering from the bitterness of human conflicts.

Homero Manzi

Homero Manzi was a renowned Argentinian lyricist, famed for his profound and emotive tangos that often captured the essence of the urban landscape and human emotion.