Intimas by Ricardo Brignolo

Intimas is a Tango written by Ricardo Brignolo and composed by Alfonso Lacueva.

Story behind the Tango Intimas

The essence of “Intimas” lies in expressing deep sorrow and unfulfilled longing. The narrator notices a change in a once lively and playful woman, who has become sad and withdrawn. This change prompts a reflection on past love and the irrevocable shifts that life can impose on our personal connections. The lyrics convey mutual recognition of love that was and the shared emptiness that ensued post separation.

Symbolism of Intimas

Ricardo Brignolo uses expressive imagery to enhance the emotional depth of “Intimas”. Flowers, notably vibrant ones from an altar, symbolize the woman’s prior joy and vibrancy, now faded. The references to “the thorns of a rose” and “impossible emptiness” convey the pain and void left by loss and disillusionment in love. These poetic devices underscore the persistent ache of memories and lost connections that remain beyond reach.

Intimas in historic Context

“Intimas” was written in 1951, during a period in Argentina characterized by cultural flowering yet also political complexity. This context may be reflective in the tango’s themes of love and loss, mirroring the broader societal movements of the time where personal and collective histories were deeply intertwined and often fraught with similar emotional tumults.

Ricardo Brignolo

Ricardo Brignolo was an influential Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to the Tango genre.