Milonga de mi tierra by José Sassone

Milonga de mi tierra is a Tango written by José Sassone and composed by Alberto Pugliese.

Story behind the Tango Milonga de mi tierra

“Milonga de mi tierra” delves deep into revering the milonga, a musical genre and dance that originated on the Rio de la Plata, Argentina. This piece, written during a turbulent period in world history, holds onto cultural heritage, portraying a profound admiration and nostalgia towards traditional Argentine music and life.

The lyrics start by declaring a deep, unwavering respect for the milonga, despite some local criticisms which José Sassone refers to as “the murmur of the town.” The phrase “Milonga criolla de mi flor, Siempre te venero” (Creole milonga of my flower, I always venerate you), illustrates a personal and intimate relationship with this musical form, seeing it beyond just performance art, portraying it as a homage to personal and national identity.

Symbolism of Milonga de mi tierra

The milonga is represented not only as a musical genre but also as a vessel carrying emotions and stories of the people, particularly the rural or ‘gaucha’ population of Argentina. The lines “Tú fuiste siempre la canción, Gaucha de mi tierra” suggest that milonga songs are embedded in the social fabric of life in rural Argentina and evoke stirrings of the heart among the natives. The emotional depth conveyed through phrases like “Dejó su más tierna emoción” (Left its tenderest emotion) highlights how deep-rooted this music is in the emotional lives of the people.

Key phrases like “Yo que canto mi valer, Con la voz del corazón” (I, who sing my worth, with the voice of the heart) reflect a celebration of self-expression through milonga, where singing with the heart symbolizes authenticity and emotional sincerity, key aspects of the milonga itself.

Milonga de mi tierra in historic Context

Recorded in 1943, a time when the world was engulfed in World War II, Argentina itself in a phase of changing political landscapes, with populism on the rise, led by figures like Juan Domingo Perón. This environment might influence Sassone’s intent to highlight national traditions as a way to fortify a cultural identity amid global and internal unrest.

The reverence for rural or native Argentinian elements in the lyrics during such a period suggests a potential call for unity and pride in one’s roots and culture, which resonates well with the nationalist sentiments often associated with the era’s political climate.

José Sassone

José Sassone is recognized for his contributions to the Tango genre, with “Milonga de mi tierra” standing out as a poignant expression of his affection towards Argentine cultural heritage.