Serenata by Luis Rubistein

Serenata is a Tango written by Luis Rubistein and composed by Juan Polito.

Story behind the Tango Serenata

The lyrics of “Serenata” narrate a classic scene of a romantic serenade under the moonlight. The principal themes revolve around love, longing, and the beauty of a starlit night. A solo payador (singer) performs beneath a loved one’s balcony, pouring his heart out in song. The use of night, moon, and lyrical elements emphasizes the depth and purity of the singer’s emotions, reflecting a common narrative in Latin love serenades.

Symbolism of Serenata

“Canción de amor de una serenata” introduces the song as a love serenade, immediately setting the emotional tone. “Luna y farol con color de plata” symbolizes the guiding light of love, which is both beautiful and vague in its uncertainty. The repeated refrain, “Amor, amor, Te dejo aquí, Con mi voz, Mi corazón,” illustrates the vulnerability and commitment of offering one’s heart through song. Phrases like “Mis sueños cubiertos de noche callada” suggest the intimate and personal nature of the emotions shared in a tranquil, serene night.

Serenata in historic Context

Written in 1959, a time when Tango music was a vibrant and essential part of Argentine culture, “Serenata” carries the traditional values of romantic expression. This period in Argentina was marked by political and social change, and tangos like Serenata offered an escape into the personal, passionate aspects of life. The use of traditional symbols such as the moon, stars, and night motifs link the song to universal themes of love and yearning, resonating with the audiences of that era.

Luis Rubistein

Luis Rubistein was an Argentine lyricist known for his emotive and romantic tango compositions.