Por ella ten piedad by Antonio Polito

Por ella ten piedad is a Tango written by Antonio Polito and composed by Antonio Polito.

Story behind the Tango Por ella ten piedad

The song “Por ella ten piedad” narrates the poignant story of a mother living in a lonely, abandoned neighborhood, surrounded by desolation and the remnants of her past. At the core of the lyrics is a tale of her daughter, who, amidst the glamorous but ultimately destructive city life represented by milongas and champagne, loses herself, forsaking the values she once held dear. It culminates in a poignant plea for the daughter to return home and comfort her ailing mother, highlighting themes of regret, familial bonds, and redemption.

Symbolism of Por ella ten piedad

The song uses potent symbolism, particularly through the contrast between the mother’s simple, pain-filled life surrounded by her plants and roses—a metaphor for what little remains of her happier past—and the daughter’s fleeting, superficial glamor symbolized by “ropa fina” and “la Avenida”. These images intensify the emotional depth of the narrative, showcasing the stark divergence in the paths taken by mother and daughter. The transformation from a warm family promise to a cold, lonely milonga scene underscores the tragic deviation from initial innocence to a hardened, perhaps irredeemable state. Key phrases like “Ya sos madera que no da lumbre,” suggest that the daughter, once full of potential, has become unable to provide warmth or light, emphasizing a squandered existence.

Por ella ten piedad in historic Context

Written and recorded in 1928, “Por ella ten piedad” emerged during a period when Tango music was deeply woven into the fabric of Argentine culture, often reflecting societal concerns and the emotional pulse of its people. The era was marked by both modernization and significant social challenges. The reference to “la Avenida,” likely alluding to a prominent location in Argentina, such as Buenos Aires, encapsulates a critical view of the urban lifestyle that could lead to moral and personal decay, a common critique in the narratives of traditional tangos of that era. The song, therefore, not only tells a personal story but also serves as a social commentary on the consequences of abandoning traditional family values for the allure of a modern, but potentially corrupting, city life.

Antonio Polito

As a composer and lyricist, Antonio Polito remains an influential figure in the Tango genre, known for his ability to capture deep emotional landscapes and societal narratives through his music.