Trenzas by Homero Expósito

Trenzas is a Tango written by Homero Expósito and composed by Armando Pontier.

Story behind the Tango Trenzas

Trenzas, meaning “braids” in English, speaks of a sorrowful tale of love, longing, and remembrance woven through the metaphor of a loved one’s braids. The narrator reflects on the sweet silk of their beloved’s braids, which he describes as a lunar shadow on their skin and an essence of their absence. The braids themselves become a symbol of the deep emotional ties and the yoke of love that binds the speaker to a memory. The gentle yet persistent longing is underscored by the haunting question of where their wildflower-like love has vanished after their time together.

Symbolism of Trenzas

The primary symbolism in “Trenzas” revolves around the braids mentioned throughout the song. In this context, “Trenzas” symbolizes the intimate and intricate connection between the narrator and their lost love. Each braid conveys not just physical ties but also emotional bonds, their softness contrasting with the pain of separation and the bitterness of goodbye indicated by “nudo atroz de cuero crudo” (cruel knot of raw leather). The blend of tenderness and torment encapsulates the complex emotions related to love and loss.

Trenzas in historic context

Set against the backdrop of post-World War II Argentina, “Trenzas”, created in 1945, emerges at a time when Argentine society was undergoing significant changes. The nostalgic and melancholic tones of the song reflect a broader sentiment of a generation grappling with the aftermath of global conflict and the nuances of personal loss and resilience. In a time when expressing emotions might have been seen as a luxury, tango served as an outlet for the inner emotional turmoils and romanticism that were often suppressed in everyday discourse.

Homero Expósito

Homero Expósito was a prominent Argentine lyricist and poet, noted for his contributions to the world of Tango with deeply emotional and intricate lyrics.