Madre hay una sola by José de la Vega

Madre hay una sola is a Tango written by José de la Vega and composed by Agustín Bardi.

Story behind the Tango Madre hay una sola

The tango “Madre hay una sola” translates to “There is only one mother”, a phrase echoing the irreplaceable and unique nature of a mother’s love and presence. The lyrics narrate the protagonist’s personal evolution from reckless youth to a mature child returning to the comfort and unconditional love of their mother. Despite paying for past mistakes, he finds his mother’s enduring love unchanged, welcoming him without reproach but with deep affection that had been left behind. This narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring bond between a mother and her child.

Symbolism of Madre hay una sola

The lyrics of “Madre hay una sola” are rich with symbolism and evoke a deep sense of redemption and nurturing. The protagonist’s return “to seek in the old woman those deep tendernesses” symbolizes a journey back to roots, to fundamental values symbolized by the mother figure. Phrases like “Besos y amores” (Kisses and loves) and “bellas farsas” (beautiful farces) suggest life’s superficial relationships and contrasts dramatically with the singular, profound love of a mother, emphasized by the phrase “Madre hay una sola!” This tango portrays the mother as a beacon of unconditional love and forgiveness, suggesting her love is constant and unchangeable, a stable truth in a sea of life’s illusions.

Madre hay una sola in historic Context

Recorded in 1964 in Argentina, “Madre hay una sola” emerges during a period which saw significant social and political changes in the country. The 60s in Argentina were marked by rising political dissent and social unrest. In this context, the tango might be seen as a return to simpler, core values represented by the mother figure—an anchor in the chaotic social landscape. José de la Vega captures not only personal remorse and redemption but also mirrors a societal yearning for foundational values embodied by the mother figure, perceived as a moral and emotional guideline in the midst of societal upheaval.

José de la Vega

José de la Vega was an influential figure in the Argentine tango scene, known for his poignant lyrics and deep emotional narratives.