Misa de once by Armando Tagini

Misa de once is a Tango written by Armando Tagini and composed by Juan José Guichandut.

Story behind the Tango Misa de once

“Misa de once” tells a poignant tale of youthful love and lost opportunities. The narrator reminisces about a time when they and their beloved were youthful, with the beloved being just eighteen and the narrator only a bit older at twenty, each basking in the glow of unspoilt youth. The romantic narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a stern school environment where the beloved lived somewhat like a prisoner, only liberated for brief strolls on Sundays. These weekly strolls to church, specifically to the ‘misa de once’ or ‘eleven o’clock mass’, serve as the setting for their early interactions and blossoming affection.

The narrator remembers greeting his love with his best smile during these moments, receiving gracious responses that lit up his heart. However, the reminiscence is tinged with melancholy. Over time, the narrator pursued dreams of fame and love in the wider world, only to return with a heart weary of unfulfilled dreams. The poem questions the piety or sinfulness of confessing love before the divine, contrasting it with the cold reality of unrequited or lost love. Yet, there’s a poignant sense of longing for those bygone days of innocence and simple joys, encapsulated in their weekly meetings at mass.

Symbolism of Misa de once

The eleven o’clock mass, “misa de once,” symbolizes a ritualistic encounter that transcends the simple act of attending a religious service—it represents the sacred meeting hour for the lovers. This spiritual gathering time becomes a metaphor for their youthful innocence and the purest moments of their early affection. The church bells and their resounding call to the mass might represent the clarity and the resonant promise of young love.

Notably, the imagery of “Magnolias, menta y cedrón” (magnolias, mint, and lemon verbena) in the lyrics conveys a sensory memory that combines the fragrance of fresh blooms and herbs, evoking a nostalgic and almost Edenic recollection of their past encounters, full of purity and the freshness of youth.

Misa de once in historic Context

The Tango, recorded in 1949, reflects the post-war era in Argentina, a time of cultural flourishing and introspection. During this period, tango music often carried themes of nostalgia and loss—reflective of broader social feelings of disillusionment and longing for better times. The personal narrative of unreturned or lost love and the pursuit of dreams fits into this wider cultural context of seeking meaning and solace in a rapidly changing world.

Armando Tagini

Armando Tagini was a prolific tango lyricist known for his emotive and evocative writing style, which typically captures deep feelings of longing and nostalgia.