Mia by Celedonio Flores

Mia is a Tango written by Celedonio Flores and composed by Antonio Oscar Arona.

Story behind the Tango Mia

The Tango “Mia” narrates a poignant tale of lost love and regret. It captures a moment under a streetlight where the singer serenades his beloved, with a fond recollection of a time when their love was sanctified by divine light. Yet, the currents of the song shift to darker tones as the singer reflects on his present state, shadowed by defeat and the absence of his beloved’s affection.

Symbolism of Mia

“Mia” encapsulates rich symbolism and emotional depth. The recurring motif of light, from the “plateada biaba de un farol” (silver light from a lamppost) to the “luz dorada del bendito sol” (golden light of the blessed sun), symbolizes moments of joy and hope that have now dimmed in the absence of the loved one. The singer’s journey from light to shadows represents his transition from a time of happiness to one of sorrow and loneliness. The lyrics “quiero llorar, pero no es de hombres” suggest the societal expectations of masculinity that restrain his expression of grief. The passionate declaration of love and thereupon a painful realization of betrayal heightens the emotional stakes of the song.

Mia in historic Context

“Mia” was written in the mid-20th century, a time when Tango music was evolving and still held a traditional essence in Argentine culture. During these times, Tango was not just a dance but a narrative medium that often encapsulated tales of love, sorrow, and everyday life. The theme of lost love and betrayal presented in “Mia”, resonates deeply within the Argentinian ethos of Tango: a dance that often communicates through melancholy and dramatic expression.

Celedonio Flores

Celedonio Flores was a prominent Argentine lyricist and poet known for his contributions to the Tango genre.