Garúa by

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

Story behind the Tango Garúa

The tango “Garúa,” composed by Aníbal Troilo, was first brought to life in 1962 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. These lyrics paint a gloomy and cold portrait of a night filled with longing and solitude. The song captures the emotional depth typically found in tango, a genre renowned for expressing heartache, love lost, and the complex beauty of melancholy. The word “garúa” itself refers to a type of drizzle, and becomes a metaphor for the singer’s sadness and emotional dampness, seeping into their very being as they walk through the night.

Symbolism of Garúa

In “Garúa,” the “noche llena de hastío y de frío” (night filled with weariness and cold) sets the scene for the pervasive loneliness experienced by the narrator. This atmospheric description evokes isolation, further emphasized by the “extraño lamento” (strange lament) brought by the wind. The drizzle, or “garúa,” acts as a physical manifestation of inner sorrow, with its “púas” (quills/spikes) piercing the narrator’s heart, amplifying feelings of longing and loss. Key phrases like “corazón transido” (pierced heart) and “más la busca y más la nombra” (the more it searches for her and more it names her) highlight the depth of emotional turmoil and haunting memories. The repetition of being “solo” (alone) in a “noche tan fría y tan mía” (so cold and so mine) underscores the intimate and personal nature of this heartbreak, making the grief feel inevitable and unique.

Garúa in Historic Context

Set in the vibrant yet melancholic city of Buenos Aires during the early 1960s, “Garúa” reflects the cultural and emotional landscape of the time. Tango music, with its roots in the mix of European, African, and indigenous influences, was central to Argentine identity and emerged as a voice for lovers and loners alike. The economic and social changes in Argentina during this period may have added to the pervasive feeling of uncertainty and longing in the lyrics. Cold, lonesome city nights typical to Buenos Aires during winter add authenticity and resonate with the experiences of many who find comfort in tango’s emotional expression.

About Aníbal Troilo

Aníbal Troilo, a well-known Argentine tango musician and composer, was a pivotal figure in the evolution of tango music. His compositions, including “Garúa,” continue to influence and define the genre long after their creation.