Loca by Antonio Viergol

Loca is a Tango written by Antonio Viergol and composed by Manuel Jovés.

Story behind the Tango Loca

‘Loca,’ translated to ‘Crazy’ in English, portrays the poignant tale of a woman grappling with her internal conflicts and societal perception. The lyrics delve into her emotional turbulence, masked by superficial happiness. Self-reflection, societal judgment, and a longing for a lost, innocent past define the narrative. The protagonist’s admission of her façade – laughing on the outside while crying within – mirrors the complex duality often faced by individuals struggling with societal conformity.”

Symbolism of Loca

The recurring use of ‘Loca’ symbolizes the societal misjudgment of her character based on her external demeanor. The contrasts between joy and sorrow, and pretense versus reality, highlight the internal struggle of the protagonist. Phrases like “disfrazar mi tristeza” (mask my sadness) and “cuando mi corazón llora, mis labios deben reír” (when my heart cries, my lips must laugh) symbolically underscore the disparity between her true feelings and her outward expression. This pattern illuminates the theme of suppressed truth beneath a veneer of deceit, a reflection of the sacrifices made to conform to societal expectations.

Loca in historic Context

‘Loca’ was penned in 1955, a period marked by great sociopolitical changes in Argentina, reflecting a context of fluctuating freedoms and societal norms. The year also parallels the experiences of many individuals during post-war transitions, where personal turmoil and societal expectations often conflicted. Given the song’s references to a lost familial home and the emotional dislocation of the protagonist, it resonates with the broader experience of displacement and societal alienation. This context adds depth to the Tango’s emotional landscape, reflecting the era’s complexities and the personal narratives caught therein.

Antonio Viergol

Antonio Viergol was an influential figure in Argentine music, known for his poignant lyrics that often explored themes of love, sorrow, and societal expectations.