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Magdalena

Magdalena is a Tango written by Luis Caruso and recorded by Ricardo Malerba in 1943. The Tango Magdalena is written by Luis Caruso, Ricardo Malerba has recorded Magdalena with the singer Orlando Medina.
“Magdalena,” or “Magdalene” in English, evokes a name steeped in mystery and grace. It carries the weight of centuries, a timeless blend of sorrow and redemption that dances through the notes like a whispered tale. As the tango unfolds, it weaves a story of deep longing, the echo of a love lost and found, resonating with every passionate step.

Tango

Style

Ricardo Malerba

Orchestra

Orlando Medina

Singer

Del Cisne

Author

Luis Caruso

Composer

1943/8/10

Date

Orlando Medina
Orlando Medina
Ricardo Malerba
Ricardo Malerba

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Lyrics Translation of the Tango Magdalena

This is the translation of the Tango “Magdalena” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Magdalena” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Magdalena

Había una vez una rubia,
Que era tan linda, tan linda
Que no hay flor para igualarla.
No hay quien dejó de quererla,
Los que alcanzaron a verla
No hacen más que recordarla.

Vino trayendo alegrías
Que el barrio desconocía
Llenando todo de sol.
Se llamaba Magdalena
Y era tan buena
Tan buena…

Magdalena, Magdalena…
Como se agranda esta pena,
Al saber que nunca más
He de volverme a mirar
En tus ojos, Magdalena.

No sé con qué frase
Te llamó una estrella,
Sé que te llevaron
La mañana aquella.
Entre flores blancas
Rosas y azucenas…
Magdalena, Magdalena
Ya nunca más volverás.

English lyrics of the Tango "Magdalena"

Once there was a blonde,
So lovely, so lovely
That no flower could match her.
No one could help loving her,
Those who got to see her
Can only remember her.

She came bringing joy
That the neighborhood didn’t know,
Filling everything with sun.
Her name was Magdalena,
And she was so good,
So good…

Magdalena, Magdalena…
How this pain intensifies,
Knowing that never again
Will I get to look
Into your eyes, Magdalena.

I don’t know which phrase
A star called you with,
I know they took you
That morning.
Among white flowers,
Roses and lilies…
Magdalena, Magdalena
You will never return.

Magdalena by Del Cisne

Magdalena is a Tango written by Del Cisne and composed by Luis Caruso.


Story behind the Tango Magdalena

The narrative of “Magdalena” unfolds as a poignant reminiscence of a woman named Magdalena, praised for her unparalleled beauty and warmth, which brought light and joy to her neighborhood. The lyrics trace memories of joy she brought, underscored by a communal sense of loss after her departure. The recurring line “No hacen más que recordarla” suggests that Magdalena left a lasting impression on those around her, imprinting herself in their collective memory. This tale is encapsulated in a lament of her absence, making it a poignant evocation of loss and nostalgia.


Symbolism of Magdalena

The song uses floral imagery to symbolize Magdalena’s beauty and purity – she is likened to a flower that no other can match. This metaphor elevates her, positioning her above the mundane and ordinary, and imbues her with a near-celestial quality. The phrase, “No sé con qué frase Te llamó una estrella,” further mystifies Magdalena’s departure by comparing it to a celestial event, a star calling her away, suggesting something divine or inevitable in her leaving, symbolized through her alignment with natural, untouchable elements like stars and flowers.


Magdalena in historic context

Recorded in 1943, during a period fraught with global uncertainties of World War II, “Magdalena” emerges likely as a means of cultural and emotional solace. Argentina, although geographically distant from the central theaters of war, was not immune to the war’s psychological and economic impacts. In such a context, Magdalena’s character could symbolize a lost golden era, her memory a retreat to a time of peace and simplicity, her departure suggestive of the innocence and beauty lost to the ravages of time and global upheaval. The reference to her unexpected departure possibly mirrors the sudden changes societies across the world felt during these tumultuous years.


Del Cisne

Del Cisne, the lyricist of “Magdalena,” is recognized for contributing to the rich tapestry of Argentine tango, often weaving complex emotions and narratives into his works.