Milonga en rojo by

Milonga en rojo is a Tango written by and composed by Lucio Demare.

Story behind the Tango Milonga en rojo

“Milonga en rojo” transports us to a rural Argentine setting, painting a picture of daily life amidst the rustic backdrop. The protagonist is identified as a vendor of watermelons, whose vivid cries bring the scene to life. The lyrics are structured around his sell of “sandía calada” (carved watermelon), which is both literal and metaphorical in this context. The mention of the cicadas singing and the women dozing in the January siestas accentuates the warmth and rhythm of the rural landscape, creating a nostalgia-laden picture of the Argentine countryside during the early 20th century.

Symbolism of Milonga en rojo

The language and imagery in “Milonga en rojo” are rich with symbolism and cultural references. The watermelon, with its “rojas heridas” (red wounds), stands as a metaphor for passion and heartbreak. The “mozo siniestro” (sinister young man) is haunted by past love, and associates the color and texture of the watermelon with his emotional scars. The act of piercing the watermelon evokes a sense of violence intertwined with longing, a reflection on a passionate but painful relationship.

The recurring phrase, “Sandia calada… Sandia colorada…” emphasizes both the literal image of the watermelon and the deeper emotional wounds of the protagonist. The connection between the fruit and the human heart is vividly captured, portraying how love leaves lasting marks.

Milonga en rojo in historic Context

Written and composed in Buenos Aires in 1944, “Milonga en rojo” reflects the urban and rural dichotomies present in Argentine society at the time. Buenos Aires was a bustling metropolis, but its cultural expressions frequently hearkened back to the traditions and rhythms of rural life. The imagery of the countryside with “vereda arbolada” (shaded sidewalk) and “fogón, el camino” (hearth, the road) reflects a longing for simplicity amid the urban growth and development.

During the 1940s, Argentina was experiencing significant socio-political changes under the leadership of Juan Perón, and tango music often mirrored the sentiments and stories of the common people, capturing their struggles, passions, and memories. “Milonga en rojo” can be seen as an artistic expression of this era, blending the melancholy of personal love stories with the broad tapestry of national identity.

Lucio Demare was an influential Argentine tango composer and pianist born in 1906. He is widely appreciated for his ability to infuse his music with emotive depth and cultural richness, making him a celebrated figure in the world of tango.