Los despojos by Horacio Sanguinetti

Los despojos is a Tango written by Horacio Sanguinetti and composed by José Dames.

Story behind the Tango Los despojos

The lyrics of “Los despojos” tell a poignant tale of love, loss, and eventual forgiveness. The title, translating to “The Remains” or “The Ruins” in English, symbolizes the remnants of a once-passionate relationship. By addressing someone who has returned after a long absence, the narrator reflects on the faded love that once existed. The plea to “come, get up, do not cry,” combined with the acknowledgment of shared aging and suffering, sets a somber, reflective tone to this Tango.

Symbolism of Los despojos

The use of terms like “despojos,” “sombras del ayer,” and “arrastando tu vejez” symbolizes the decay and futility of clinging to the past. Phrases such as “como el sol reseca el lodo” and “una luz en mis tinieblas” represent the transformative power of time and forgiveness. These symbols effectively convey the bittersweet acceptance of life’s irreversible changes and the remnants of love that persist despite passage of time and experienced hardships.

Los despojos in historic Context

Created in 1947, a period marked by profound social and economic shifts in Argentina, “Los despojos” mirrors the melancholic sentiment prevalent in society. The symbolism of ruin and remains could also resonate with a broader sense of communal decay felt in post-war Argentina. The Tango, deeply embedded within the cultural fabric of Buenos Aires, emerges not just as entertainment but as a reflection of its times, with its lyrics revealing layers of collective memory and personal nostalgia.

Horacio Sanguinetti

A distinguished lyricist, Horacio Sanguinetti captured the hearts of many through his evocative words set to the rhythm of Tango.