Mentías by Alfredo Navarrine

Mentías is a Tango written by Alfredo Navarrine and composed by Juan Carlos Casaretto.

Story behind the Tango Mentías

The tango “Mentías” (which translates to “You Lied” in English) explores the emotional odyssey of betrayal and disillusionment in a romantic relationship. Alfredo Navarrine’s lyrics poetically navigate through stages of love, betrayal, and the subsequent sorrow. Initially, the relationship is depicted as idyllic, with love seemingly nurtured through those shared moments. However, this ideal crumbles as the lie is revealed, marking the emotional core of the tango where love transitions into grief and the stark realization of betrayal.

Symbolism of Mentías

Navarrine uses potent symbols like “la cruz del llanto” (the cross of crying) to underline the heavy burden of emotional pain. The word ‘Mentías’ itself, repeated dramatically, emphasizes the sense of betrayal. Symbols such as “asesinar la ilusión” (murder the illusion) powerfully convey the death of dreams and hopes, highlighting a deep psychological impact. These poignant choices in language capture the heartache of deception, making the lyric not only a story but a deeply resonant emotional experience.

Mentías in historic Context

Created in the late 1930s in Argentina, “Mentías” was composed during a vibrant yet tumultuous era of Argentine tango. This period was marked by a blend of innovation and the expression of deeper, often darker, human emotions and experiences through tango music and lyrics. The historical backdrop, a time of political and social change, likely influenced its themes of disillusionment and betrayal, reflecting not just personal sorrow but a broader sense of disenchantment.

Alfredo Navarrine

Alfredo Navarrine was a distinguished Argentine lyricist known for encapsulating complex emotions in simple yet profound tango lyrics.