Tanguistoria by Federico Silva

Tanguistoria is a Tango written by Federico Silva and composed by Armando Pontier.

Story behind the Tango Tanguistoria

The lyrics of “Tanguistoria” evoke the melancholic essence of the tango, presenting the story of a woman emblematic of broader societal challenges in Argentina during the late 1960s. The woman, symbolized metaphorically as “una minifalda” (a miniskirt), represents both modernity and the superficial changes in societal appearances. Her sadness reflects the deeper, unresolved issues of the era—economic instability, social disparities, and individual disenchantment.

Symbolism of Tanguistoria

In the song, Silva uses poignant symbols to convey complex emotions and conditions. The “minifalda” is not only a garment but signifies the era’s societal shifts towards more liberal attitudes and modernity. The lyrics, “era como en terreno a plazos, largo” (like land sold on installment, vast), suggest the stretching of hopes and dreams, fragmented over time, like land parceled out for sale. The use of “carmín al por mayor” symbolizes the artificiality and commodification of love and emotions, while her misunderstanding of the Spanish dictionary underscores a disconnect from her own cultural heritage or the elusive nature of personal improvement and understanding.

Tanguistoria in Historic Context

Written and recorded in Argentina in 1968, “Tanguistoria” reflects a period of significant sociopolitical turbulence. This was a time when Argentina was under a series of unstable governments before falling under a military dictatorship that would last until the 1980s. The ambiguity in the woman’s status, neither unhappy nor happy, mirrors the uncertain future faced by Argentine citizens, caught between old traditions and modern impulses, during a time of heavy political and social flux.

Federico Silva

Federico Silva was an Argentine lyricist known for his deep and often poignant descriptions of life and society, encapsulated through the lens of tango music.