Una canción by Aníbal Troilo

Una canción is a Tango written by and composed by Aníbal Troilo.

Story behind the Tango Una canción

Una canción is a haunting portrayal of melancholy and longing set in the dim ambiance of a Buenos Aires bodega. The song’s protagonist seeks solace in alcohol and the comforting yet somber strains of tango, sharing a moment of raw vulnerability with a companion. Within an atmosphere heavy with solitude, the lyrics invite the listener into a world ravaged by unfulfilled desires, where music serves as both a balm and a reminder of pain.

Symbolism of Una canción

The use of objects like “la copa de alcohol” (the cup of alcohol) and “bodegón” (tavern) symbolize both escape and entrapment. The contrast between “monótono y fatal” (monotonous and fatal) illustrates a cycle of despair. The “voz gangosa de metal” (nasal metallic voice) suggests a mechanical, emotionless repetition that adds to the feeling of desolation. The key phrase “Los dos en curda” (The two of us drunk) emphasizes a shared yet isolating experience, where drunkenness becomes a temporary bridge between souls yet emphasizes their loneliness.

Una canción in historic Context

Composed in Buenos Aires, a city alive with vibrant cultural and social dynamics, the song reflects the post-war melancholy prevalent throughout the early 20th century, when tango was a prominent expression of the urban working class. The pervasive atmosphere of longing and escape aligns with a time when many faced dire personal and economic challenges, seeking solace in communal spaces like taverns where tango would echo their sorrows and fleeting joys.

Aníbal Troilo was a prominent Argentine tango composer, bandoneon player, and bandleader known for his profound emotional expression and influential compositions that resonated deeply with the spirit of Buenos Aires.