Vieja amiga by José María Contursi

Vieja amiga is a Tango written by José María Contursi and composed by Pedro Laurenz.

Story behind the Tango Vieja amiga

“Vieja amiga” translates to “Old Friend” in English, reflecting the nostalgic and reflective tones of the lyrics. The speaker, possibly reflecting José María Contursi’s own emotions, details a poignant return to a past relationship, marked by the passage of time and the weight of unspoken emotions. The lyrics reveal a deep sense of resigned acceptance, confronting the solitude of his later years and the futility in trying to rekindle what once was.

Symbolism of Vieja amiga

There is a recurring symbolic interplay between youth and age, love and solitude, presence and absence. Key phrases like “Hoy que hay arrugas en mi frente” underscore the speaker’s confrontation with aging, while his emotions remain vibrant, betrayed by his longing and solitude. The phrase “con mi cruz a otro rincón” captures a near-biblical resignation to fate, suggesting that the burdens of unreciprocated love and unfulfilled desires are a cross he must bear alone.

Vieja amiga in historic Context

Recorded in Argentina in 1938, “Vieja amiga” was conceived during a tumultuous period marked by political instability and an evolving artistic scene. Tango music often reflected deep, emotional personal narratives against this backdrop, providing an outlet for expression amid social uncertainties. This historical context could explain the melancholy and introspection in the lyrics, offering a personal escape and connecting intimately with audiences grappling with similar emotional and societal upheavals.

José María Contursi

José María Contursi was a prominent Argentine lyricist known for his profound and emotive contributions to the Tango genre.