María by Aníbal Troilo

María is a Tango written by and composed by Aníbal Troilo.

Story behind the Tango María

“María” narrates the poignant reminiscence of a past love. The lyrics unfold a melancholic yet tender portrait of a woman named María, who once brought profound passion and longing into the narrator’s life. The story is set against a backdrop of autumn, which mirrors the fading warmth of love replaced by the cold rain of despair. The imagery of returning footsteps and a sorrowful echo of María’s voice captures the intensity of lost love that lingers in the narrator’s heart. It is a tale woven with nostalgia and the haunting passage of time, where Maria remains both a fond memory and a bitter reminder of separation.

Symbolism of María

The song uses strong symbolic elements to enrich its narrative. The arrival of María in the autumn, with its associations of decay and decline, signifies the transient nature of their relationship. “Eras como la calle de la Melancolía” (You were like the street of Melancholy) suggests not only María’s somber influence on the narrator’s life but also equates her with a metaphorical journey through sorrow. The recurring rain symbolizes tears and heartbreak, consistently emphasizing the persistent sadness María’s memory brings. Hands “desteñidas de amor” (faded from love) convey the gentle yet disappearing touch of their past connection.

María in Historic Context

“María” was created in 1963, a period marked by significant transformation in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This era, positioned a decade prior to the country’s intense political upheavals, was filled with a sense of both nostalgia and turbulent change. Socially, the emigration towards urban centers like Buenos Aires was rising, which intensified the sentiments of loneliness and longing found in urban settings. The tango genre itself had evolved to reflect deeper emotional narratives and historical resonances. In this cultural melting pot, “María” emerges as a lament of private loss against the broader backdrop of societal shifts, reflecting the inherent melancholic soul of Buenos Aires’s neighborhoods.

Composer Aníbal Troilo

Aníbal Troilo, also known as “Pichuco,” was a seminal figure in the tango music landscape. He was celebrated for his virtuosity on the bandoneón and his ability to infuse music with profound emotional depth.