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La montonera

La montonera is a Vals written by Enrique Delfino and recorded by Roberto Firpo in 1930. Roberto Firpo has recorded La montonera as an instrumental Vals.
“La Montonera,” translated as “The Rebel Woman,” evokes a spirit of fierce independence and defiance. In the melody of this piece, one can hear the tumultuous passion and courage of a woman who stands unwavering amidst chaos. The rhythm captures her relentless drive and unyielding strength, embodying the essence of a leader who inspires change.

Letra del Vals La montonera

En la mañana gris

huyendo va

el Capitán.

La montonera lo persigue, cruel,

mas su alazán

lo ha de llevar

hasta la puerta de la amada fiel,

que una eterna pasión le juró

al partir para la guerra.

Cayendo estaba el sol

cuando llegó

el Capitán,

herido y pálido al hogar aquel,

donde dejó

su fiel amor.

Un beso ardiente de la amada fue

grato bálsamo de su dolor

y al encontrarse a salvo, dio gracias al cielo

con inmensa fe.



Mas la noche traidora llegó

y con ella el peligro mortal;

la patrulla que lo persiguió

con sus huellas por fin logró dar.

Mientras dormía el galán

se consumó la cruel traición

pues la infame mujer, sin piedad,

al esbirro su amado vendió.



En la mañana gris,

el cuadro ya

formado está.

Al pie de un muro se halla el infeliz

que se confió

en el amor.

Llorando exclama, lleno de dolor:

No es la muerte, sino tu traición

lo que atormenta mi pecho.

En tu alma puse yo

mi amor, mi fe,

mi corazón.

¿De qué me sirve ya la vida a mi

sin la ilusión

de tu querer?

¡Que para siempre caiga sobre ti,

con mi sangre, fatal maldición!

Y un trueno de fusiles que estalló de pronto

su voz apagó.

English lyrics of the Vals "La montonera"

In the gray morning,
The Captain escapes.
The mob pursues him, cruel,
But his gray horse
Will carry him
To the door of his faithful beloved,
Who vowed eternal passion
As he left for war.

The sun was setting
When the Captain arrived,
Wounded and pale to that home,
Where he left
His true love.
A fervent kiss from his beloved was
A soothing balm for his pain,
And finding himself safe, he gave thanks to heaven
With immense faith.

But the treacherous night came
And with it, mortal peril;
The patrol that had pursued him
Finally managed to track him down.
While the gallant slept,
The cruel betrayal was executed
For the infamous woman, without pity,
Sold her beloved to the henchman.

In the gray morning,
The firing squad is
Already formed.
At the base of a wall stands the unfortunate man
Who trusted
In love.
Crying out in pain, he exclaims:
It’s not death, but your betrayal
That torments my heart.
In your soul, I placed
My love, my faith,
My heart.
What use is life to me now
Without the illusion
Of your love?
May a fatal curse fall upon you,
With my blood!
And a thunder of rifles suddenly burst
And silenced his voice.

La montonera by Manuel Romero

La montonera is a Tango written by Manuel Romero and composed by Enrique Delfino.



Story behind the Tango La montonera

The lyrics of “La montonera” recount the tragic tale of a captain during a time of civil conflict. In the gray morning, the captain flees, pursued by a relentless group known as “la montonera.” His faithful horse carries him towards the home of his beloved, who had promised eternal love as he left for war. Arriving home wounded and pale, he finds solace in an ardent kiss from his love, a balm for his pain, giving thanks to heaven for his safety. However, the story takes a dark turn as he is betrayed and sold out by his lover to the enemies while he sleeps, leading to his capture and execution by firing squad, his last words lamenting not his death but the betrayal by the woman he loved.



Symbolism of La montonera

“La montonera” symbolizes betrayal and the devastating effects of civil war. The captain’s horse symbolizes loyalty, contrasting sharply with the betrayal of his lover. His final lament highlights a profound emotional betrayal, resonating deeper than the fear of death itself. The gray morning and the fatal night symbolically frame the concept of hope followed by despair. The recurring references to “heart” and “soul” emphasize the deep personal and emotional investment that adds a tragic weight to the betrayal.



La montonera in historic Context

“La montonera” was written and recorded in Argentina in 1930, a period marked by political instability and the onset of the infamous Decade of Infamy. The term “montonera” refers to irregular military units typical of the 19th and early 20th centuries in Argentina, often composed of civilians who participated in the civil wars. The tango can be seen as a reflection on the betrayal within these tumultuous times — not just on a personal level but also metaphorically reflecting the broader sense of instability and betrayal felt by society.



Manuel Romero

Manuel Romero was a prolific Argentine playwright, screenwriter, and lyricist, known for his works that often reflected the socio-political landscape of Argentina.