Tres horas by Alberto Nery

Tres horas is a Tango written by Alberto Nery and composed by Héctor Varela.

Story behind the Tango Tres horas

The lyrics of “Tres horas” encapsulate a narrative of longing and anticipation as the narrator awaits the return of a beloved. The three hours mentioned repeatedly signify a period of waiting, which feels arduous and prolonged. These hours are anthropomorphized as stubborn and slow, highlighting the agony of waiting. The essence of the song is captured in the desperation and anxiety of counting every moment until the beloved’s return, emphasizing a deep emotional dependence and love.

Symbolism of Tres horas

The song uses time as a central symbol, representing both the physical and emotional state of the narrator. The “three hours” symbolize an intense, drawn-out period of waiting that feels much longer than it actually is. This uses time as a metaphor for emotional endurance and the subjective nature of time when in a state of expectancy. The mention of the “full moon night” adds a layer of romanticism and destiny, often associated with cycles of completion and fulfillment in love.

Tres horas in historic Context

Recorded in 1943, during a tumultuous period in world history and a vibrant era for Argentine tango, “Tres horas” resonates with a sense of yearning and the enduring human spirit. During this era, the tango often expressed deep, often melancholic emotions and served as a reflective mirror for the societal mood of Argentina—marked by political changes and social evolution. The setting of a calm evening advancing to a full moon night could also symbolically contrast the serene personal moment with the ongoing global unrest.

Alberto Nery

Alberto Nery, an impactful lyricist in the tango genre, was known for his expressive and poignant words that often captured complex human emotions and romantic scenarios in his compositions.