Mala junta by Juan Velich

Mala junta is a Tango written by Juan Velich and composed by Pedro Laurenz.

Story behind the Tango Mala junta

“Mala junta,” which translates to “Bad Influence” in English, delves into the narrative of a young woman led astray by poor company. The lyrics describe how she is corrupted from a path of innocence due to her desire for a more extravagant, perhaps reckless lifestyle. The speaker of the song expresses deep sorrow and betrayal, highlighting the damages inflicted not just upon herself, but also on those who cared for her deeply—her aging mother and the first-person narrator, who harbors irrevocable love for her.

Symbolism of Mala junta

The recurring phrases “mala junta” and the detailed emotional expressions lend symbolic weight to the evolution of a person’s morals and values under bad influences. “En la fiebre loca de mentidas galas se quemaron tus divinas, ¡níveas alas!” (In the mad fever of false galas your divine, snow-white wings burned) uses vivid imagery to portray lost purity, symbolized by “níveas alas” or snow-white wings. This conveys her transformation and the fiery destruction of her innocence through misguided desires. In contrast, the speaker alludes to a potential redemption, suggesting that returning to her roots could reignite “la alegría de vivir” (the joy of life).

Mala junta in historic Context

The Tango, recorded on November 29, 1952, in Argentina, surfaces in a period where tango often served as a narrative medium addressing themes of loss, nostalgia, and societal changes. Post-World War II Argentina faced significant cultural shifts and economic challenges, which might have amplified the thematic elements of decline and moral degradation perceived in “Mala junta.” The tango acts not only as a beacon of personal regret but also as a collective sigh for times and values eroded by the complexities of modern life.

Juan Velich

Juan Velich was an Argentine lyricist known for his poignant and emotionally rich tango lyrics.