Secreto by Enrique Santos Discepolo

Secreto is a Tango written and composed by Enrique Santos Discepolo.

Story behind the Tango Secreto

“Secreto” delves deep into the emotional turmoil of a man ensnared by an overpowering and destructive passion for another woman, symbolizing his forbidden relationship as a punishing storm (“Ventarrón”) that has uprooted his previously serene life. This piece narrates the protagonist’s internal conflict and his ruinous deviation from familial and societal values, survival pitting his sacred, ordinary life against his overwhelming desire. The title, “Secreto” (meaning “Secret” in English), highlights the concealed, illicit nature of this affair that profoundly changes the speaker’s life.

Symbolism of Secreto

Discepolo employs robust symbolism to illustrate the protagonist’s inner battle, comparing his adulterous actions to a devastating storm that destroys a peaceful and spiritual past. Phrases like “muñeca maldita, castigo de Dios…” (cursed doll, punishment from God) and “sagrada y sencilla como una oración” (sacred and simple as a prayer) depict his immense regret and the moral dilapidation he feels. The recurring images of domestic and religious sanctity contrast sharply with the turmoil and “bárbaro horror de problemas” (barbaric horror of problems) caused by his actions, enhancing the theme of personal degradation and loss.

Secreto in Historic Context

Created in Argentina in 1933, “Secreto” mirrors the social and economic upheavals experienced during this period. The early 1930s were marked by political instability and the impacts of the Great Depression, which perhaps intensified personal and societal conflicts reflected in tango lyrics. This piece, through its story of personal moral conflict and the destruction of family values, could be seen as a metaphor for the broader societal degeneration and the struggles of common individuals in times of hardship. Additionally, during this era, tango often explored themes of disappointment, loss, and the darker aspects of human emotion, resonating with the struggles of the lower and middle classes in Argentine society.

Enrique Santos Discepolo

Enrique Santos Discepolo was an influential Argentine tango and milonga musician and composer known for his poignant and socially reflective lyrics. His works often delved into personal and societal challenges, depicting the human condition with deep empathy and realism.