Martingala by Miguel Bucino

Martingala is a Tango written by Miguel Bucino and composed by Miguel Bucino.

Story behind the Tango Martingala

The lyrics of “Martingala” tell a narrative of personal misfortune and desperate pleas. It’s a story about a son-in-law called “doctor,” humorously addressing his father-in-law from a grand hotel in Mar del Plata. He recounts how his wife, Lala, and her sister, Pirula, led him to gamble using a strategy called ‘martingala.’ However, his luck runs dry, leading to the potential repossession of his assets, specifically his Ford, and leaving them stranded without enough money to continue their hotel stay. The son-in-law makes an urgent plea to his father-in-law, asking for financial help to protect their family honor and to avoid disaster.

Symbolism of Martingala

“Martingala” refers to a gambling strategy known for its potential to either bring great reward or severe risk. In this context, the term symbolizes more than just a game plan; it represents life’s unpredictable and sometimes perilous chances. The use of gambling as a central theme explores themes of risk, loss, and desperation. The request for “veinte mil pesos” (twenty thousand pesos) to salvage honor ties directly into the cultural significance of pride and responsibility within familial connections in Argentine society.

Martingala in historic Context

The tango was recorded in the late 1950s, a period in Argentina marked by political instability and economic fluctuations. The setting in the luxury hotel in Mar del Plata, a renowned coastal city, contrasts starkly with the son-in-law’s financial desperation, emphasizing the disparities that were ever-present in Argentine society. This historical and geographical context deepens the narrative, painting a vivid picture of the highs and lows faced by individuals during that era.

Miguel Bucino

Miguel Bucino was an influential figure in Argentine tango, both as a composer and lyricist, known for weaving complex emotions into his music.