Mañana by Ivo Pelay

Mañana is a Tango written by Ivo Pelay and composed by Edgardo Donato.

Story behind the Tango Mañana

The tango “Mañana” captures the quintessential Buenos Aires urban spirit, embodying a mixture of hope, procrastination, and a laissez-faire attitude towards daily struggles. The lyrics narrate everyday scenarios where the protagonist, typically a local from Buenos Aires (porteño), puts off tasks, payments, and promises with a simple ‘Mañana’ (Tomorrow). This repeated postponement is displayed humorously and is used to portray the cultural habit of delay and the optimistic belief in a better tomorrow.

Symbolism of Mañana

The term ‘Mañana’ itself, which translates to ‘Tomorrow’ in English, holds deep symbolic meaning in the context of this tango. It represents not just the delay or laziness but also a cultural optimism, suggesting that no matter the troubles of today, there is always a hopeful tomorrow. This duality provides a light-hearted yet insightful critique of the human and particularly porteño temperament—a blend of postponement and eternal hope. Phrases like “Esperar siempre a mañana es su norma y es su acción” elucidate how waiting for tomorrow becomes both a norm and an action, a way of life.

Mañana in Historic Context

Recorded in 1936, “Mañana” was penned amidst a complex period in Argentine history, marked by political upheavals and economic difficulties. This era was a time when escapism through art was common, and the concept of ‘Mañana’ might have offered a psychological respite from the uncertainties of daily life. Essentially, the song hints at using the promise of tomorrow as a coping mechanism against the backdrop of societal issues, suggesting a collective, cultural response to delay immediate concerns in hopes of a better future.

Ivo Pelay

Ivo Pelay was a renowned Argentine playwright and lyricist, known for his significant contributions to the theatre and music scenes in Argentina.