Mentiras by Juan Bautista Abad Reyes

Mentiras is a Tango written by Juan Bautista Abad Reyes and composed by Juan Bautista Abad Reyes.

Story behind the Tango Mentiras

In “Mentiras” (which translates to “Lies” in English), the narrative focuses on an introspective account where the protagonist, entangled in his sentimental journey, questions the fidelity and love of his adored Margarita. The poignant act of deshojando (petal plucking) a flower to ascertain the depth of his beloved’s feelings reflects traditional symbolic gestures, leading to a bitter revelation. Misled by the innocent flower’s erroneous affirmative answer, feelings of betrayal are evoked as he learns that the truth is contrary to what he hoped. The chorus, “Ella siempre suspira pensando en vos,” which means “She always sighs thinking of you,” juxtaposed with the sharp conclusion, “pero esta vez ¡mintió la flor!” (“but this time the flower lied!”) encapsulates the core theme of deception and shattered trust.

Symbolism of Mentiras

The use of the flower as a symbol in the tango “Mentiras” is particularly evocative. Flowers in literature and song often symbolize purity and the fragility of life, but here it is an arbiter of truth in the ritual of petal plucking. When the flower supposedly lies, it represents not just the betrayal by the loved one, but also the randomness and cruelty of fate. The destruction of the flower (‘maté una flor’) itself can symbolize the end of innocence and perhaps the forsaking of naivety, a heart-rending step towards recognizing an undesirable reality.

Mentiras in historic Context

“Mentiras” was composed in the early 1930s, an era when Tango music was woven deeply into the cultural fabric of Argentina. During this period, Tango often communicated the ordinary tales of love, loss, and betrayal among the working class. The honesty and rawness of emotions embedded in these narratives paralleled the economic and social upheavals of the era, offering both an escape and a poignant mirror to everyday struggles and relationships. In this specific composition, the deception theme starkly portrays the disillusionment that could be reflective of broader societal sentiments of the time.

Juan Bautista Abad Reyes

Juan Bautista Abad Reyes was an influential figure in the realm of Tango, his compositions often reflecting the intricate emotions and lives of common Argentine folks.