Garras by (Unknown)

Garras is a Tango written by and composed by Aníbal Troilo.

Story behind the Tango Garras

The tango “Garras” intricately weaves a narrative of longing and despair. The lyrics tell of an individual trapped in a metaphorical “callejón sin luz” (dark alley), highlighting a sense of entrapment and hopelessness. The protagonist is haunted by unfulfilled desires and an absence of warmth and love. It paints a picture of an emotional wilderness, akin to a “pájaro sin nido” (bird without a nest) or an “niño abandonado” (abandoned child), emphasizing solitude and vulnerability.

Symbolism of Garras

“Garras” employs poignant imagery to convey deep emotions. The repeated mentions of “sombras” (shadows) and “frío” (cold) evoke a world devoid of comfort, while “las garras” (claws) symbolize emotional struggles that tear at the protagonist’s heart. The use of “callejón sin luz” encapsulates a life path shrouded in darkness, representing lost direction and despair. The contrast between the anticipated warmth of love and the absence or indifference experienced is stark, underscoring the profound loneliness.

Garras in Historic Context

The tango was composed in Buenos Aires in 1945, a city deeply intertwined with the spirit of tango. This period, post-World War II, was marked by significant social and economic changes in Argentina. These circumstances might have influenced the tone of desperation and yearning found in “Garras,” reflecting both personal and societal struggles. Tango, often a mirror of the societal psyche, frequently explored themes of heartbreak, longing, and existential search, mirroring the chaotic world outside.

Aníbal Troilo was a legendary Argentine tango musician, composer, and bandoneón player, known for his profound influence on tango music and its development during the mid-20th century.