Muchacha by Jesús Rilo Suárez

Muchacha is a Tango written and composed by Jesús Rilo Suárez.

Story behind the Tango Muchacha

The tango “Muchacha” narrates a comforting dialogue directed towards a young woman experiencing sorrow. The speaker in the song offers words of encouragement, urging the young woman to move past her grief and embrace life’s ongoing dance. The lyrics suggest resilience and the transformative power of letting go of pain, encapsulated in the refrain “Muchacha, no llorés, no importa nada” which translates to “Young girl, don’t cry, nothing matters.”

Symbolism of Muchacha

“Muchacha” is rich in symbolic language that underscores its themes of recovery and joy. Phrases like “la vida tiene el sueño de un mañana” (“life has the dream of a tomorrow”) symbolize hope and future possibilities that go beyond the present sorrow. Dancing, a central theme in tango, is used here as a metaphor for life’s continuation and a means to rediscover happiness. The persuasive call to “laugh and dance” conveys a message of healing through the embrace of life’s lighter moments.

Muchacha in Historic Context

Composed in 1956, “Muchacha” emanates from a period where Argentina was under the rule of a nationalist military government known for its conservative and repressive measures. The tango, a traditionally expressive and sometimes melancholic form, may have served as a subtle commentary on the need to find personal liberation and joy despite the oppressive atmosphere. Tango was often a solace for the populace, a space where emotions could be freely expressed. This backdrop might explain the song’s emphasis on overcoming sadness and seizing the moment (“la noche es breve, ¿por qué hacerla triste?” which means “the night is short, why make it sad?”).

Jesús Rilo Suárez

Jesús Rilo Suárez was an Argentine tango composer known for encapsulating deep human emotions in his compositions.