Uruguaya by Francisco Polonio

Uruguaya is a Tango written by and composed by Francisco Polonio.

Story behind the Tango Uruguaya

The tango “Uruguaya” paints a vivid and heartfelt tribute to a woman hailed as the ‘Queen of Goddesses.’ The speaker, enraptured by her grace and elegance, envisions offering her a ‘palace of roses,’ an idyllic sanctuary that represents love, dreams, and shared happiness. The lyrics express profound admiration and a longing for union, using rich imagery that conveys the depth of the speaker’s desire and affection.

Symbolism of Uruguaya

The imagery of a ‘palace of roses with gold and ivory lintels’ symbolizes not just opulence but the extraordinary esteem in which the woman is held. The palace stands for the purity and the richness of love, with ‘roses’ signifying beauty and passion, and ‘gold and ivory’ indicating rare and precious values. ‘Eyes of a fairy’ represents an ethereal, magical allure, suggesting that the woman holds an enchanting power over the speaker’s emotions. The recurrent question ‘Why not love’ challenges fears or doubts, advocating an embrace of love as a source of joy and fulfillment.

Uruguaya in historic Context

Written in Buenos Aires in 1943, a time when tango was a dominant cultural expression, this song likely reflects the era’s romantic idealism and the cultural exchange between neighboring Argentina and Uruguay. The reference to the ‘Reina Oriental’ encapsulates a regional affection, honoring Uruguay, often known as the ‘Oriental Republic’ due to its location east of the Uruguay River. This context might underline a shared cultural heritage and a blend of influences across the Rio de la Plata, enhancing the tango’s emotional resonance as an ode to both the woman and the cultural ties between the two nations.

Francisco Polonio

Francisco Polonio, the composer of this tango, captures the fervent romanticism characteristic of traditional tango music, contributing to the rich tapestry of Argentine-Uruguayan cultural history.