Tirame una serpentina by Juan Sarcione

Tirame una serpentina is a Tango written by Juan Sarcione and composed by Anselmo Aieta.

Story behind the Tango Tirame una serpentina

‘Tirame una serpentina,’ translated to ‘Throw me a streamer,’ is an evocative piece reflecting the festive spirit and escape that Carnival provides from the hardships of everyday life. The lyrics depict a scene where masks and streamers help to momentarily dissolve the sorrows and struggles of ordinary existence. The festival stands as a metaphor for illusion, a sort of temporary relief from reality where people can pretend to be something they are not, immersing themselves in a world of joy and music.

Symbolism of Tirame una serpentina

The recurring motif of ‘serpentina’ or streamer in the song is symbolic of fleeting joy and ephemeral beauty, representing how moments of happiness can be transient yet transformative. The mask (‘mascarita’) embodies disguise or alter ego, suggesting how Carnival allows individuals to hide their true selves and sorrows beneath joyful exteriors. The lines “La mueca del dolor quiero trocar, En risas sin control, para gozar” vividly capture this transformation from pain to uninhibited laughter.

Tirame una serpentina in historic Context

Written in Argentina in 1956, a period marked by political and social upheaval, this tango can be seen as an ode to escapism. The music and the lyrics by Juan Sarcione highlight a collective yearning for relief and joy amidst the challenges of the time. The imagery of dancing through the night to a waltz or tango mirrors the desire to find solace and happiness in familiar cultural expressions, despite the encircling gloom of the era.

Juan Sarcione

Juan Sarcione was a notable lyricist in the Argentine tango scene, recognized for his ability to capture complex emotions and societal narratives within the concise form of a tango song.