Virgen de La Serranía (feat. Carlos Dante y Julio Martel)
Alfredo de Angelis
A Heartfelt Plea to the Virgin of the Mountains
“Virgen de La Serranía” by Alfredo de Angelis, featuring Carlos Dante and Julio Martel, is a poignant tango that delves into themes of love, longing, and spiritual solace. The song is a heartfelt plea to the Virgin of the Mountains, a figure revered in many Latin American cultures, symbolizing purity and divine intervention. The protagonist, a humble mountain dweller, is tormented by unrequited love and seeks the Virgin's intercession to alleviate his suffering and reunite him with his beloved.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's emotional turmoil. He describes himself as a 'serrano,' a person from the mountains, who has left his hometown in search of his lost love. The Virgin is portrayed as a compassionate figure who understands his pain and anguish. The protagonist's plea is not just for relief from his emotional torment but also for a reunion with his beloved, who he believes has been praying for him as well. This duality of seeking both spiritual and earthly love adds depth to the song's narrative.
Culturally, the song taps into the rich tradition of Marian devotion in Latin America, where the Virgin Mary is often seen as a motherly figure who provides comfort and guidance. The protagonist's journey from the mountains to Buenos Aires symbolizes a broader quest for love and fulfillment, reflecting the migration patterns and emotional struggles of many people during the time. The song's melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply, making it a timeless piece that speaks to the universal human experience of love and longing.