Tarde gris by Luis Rubistein

Tarde gris is a Tango written by Luis Rubistein and composed by Juan Bautista Guido.

Story behind the Tango Tarde gris

The narrative of “Tarde gris” revolves around a dramatic, emotional encounter in a hospital where the speaker visits someone they once vowed to hate until death, due to past harms suffered. However, instead of feeling resentment, the individual experiences a resurgence of sacred love. This complex interaction reflects themes of forgiveness, the pain of past love, and the possibility of redemption and new beginnings. The speaker’s journey from resentment to forgiveness highlights a deep emotional conflict and resolution, enhanced by the bleak, reflective backdrop of the gray afternoon (“tarde gris”).

Symbolism of Tarde gris

The title “Tarde gris,” meaning “Gray Afternoon” in English, symbolizes the emotional state of the narrator and sets the tone of the tango. Gray often connotes something somber, uncertain, or dismal, mirroring the complexities of the narrator’s feelings. Key phrases like “mi corazón latir con santo amor” (my heart beats with holy love) signify the sacredness of their renewed feelings, contrasting against the backdrop of suffering and betrayal. Another significant phrase, “la tarde gris, tan gris como mi pena” (the gray afternoon, as gray as my sorrow), vividly connects the setting with the narrator’s inner turmoil, reinforcing the mood of lamentation yet, providing a canvas for the redemptive love that unfolds.

Tarde gris in historic Context

Written and recorded in Argentina in 1946, “Tarde gris” reflects post-World War II sentiments of loss, reconsideration of past conflicts, and reconciliation. The year 1946 was a critical time for Argentina, marking a pivotal political shift with the election of Juan Domingo Perón, which brought about significant social and economic changes. In this context, themes of healing past wounds and starting anew would resonate deeply with an Argentinian audience bearing the fresh memories of political and social upheaval.

Luis Rubistein

Luis Rubistein was a notable tango lyricist whose works often explored themes of love, betrayal, and redemption.