Inútil by Reinaldo Yiso

Inútil is a Tango written by Reinaldo Yiso and composed by Tito Ribero.

Story behind the Tango Inútil

‘Inútil,’ meaning ‘Useless’ in English, captures the poignant struggle of an individual wrestling with fate, unrequited love, and the realization that some life paths are predestined and unchangeable. The narrator details their futile efforts and internal conflicts over an inhospitable love, emphasizing the theme of inevitability in human experiences and relationships.

Symbolism of Inútil

The song employs powerful symbols, such as “el brillo de una estrella” (the shine of a star) and “el alma de mis sueños” (the soul of my dreams), to illustrate distant, unreachable aspirations in love and life. These metaphors poignantly underline the narrator’s feelings of reaching for the intangible or impossible. Key phrases like “Lucho con la angustia del perdido” (I struggle with the anguish of the lost) and “una sombra empecinada” (a stubborn shadow) reveal the inescapable nature of his tormented emotional state. These lyrical choices enhance the intense, tragic quality of the song, depicting a character entrenched in hopeless longing.

Inútil in Historic Context

Authored by Reinaldo Yiso in 1946 and set against the backdrop of post-war Argentina, ‘Inútil’ mirrors a period marked by transitions and hardships. During this era, many Argentinians grappled with feelings of disillusionment and yearning for the past. The Tango, deeply embedded in Argentine culture as a reflection of deep emotions and societal narratives, serves as an outlet for expressing collective sentiments during a tumultuous historical moment.

Reinaldo Yiso

Reinaldo Yiso was a prominent Argentine lyricist known for his poignant contributions to the genre of Tango, crafting lyrics that often explored themes of love, destiny, and despair.