Baila La Maga (o Verte Bailar)

Alfredo Zitarrosa's 'Baila La Maga (o Verte Bailar)' is a poetic and evocative milonga that delves into themes of love, longing, and the ephemeral nature of beauty. The song opens with a vivid image of a mysterious dancer, the 'maga,' who emerges from behind a curtain, illuminated by a blue spotlight. This ethereal figure, described as creating a 'fine wound in the air,' symbolizes the delicate and transient nature of beauty and art. The dancer's partner, a 'luxurious German Tarzan,' represents a contrasting figure of strength and perhaps superficial charm, hinting at the complexities and contradictions in romantic relationships.

As the song progresses, the narrator's perspective shifts to a more personal and intimate tone. The dancer becomes a symbol of the narrator's deepest desires and emotions, described as 'my sea and my shore, my salt, my blood, and my bread.' This metaphorical language underscores the profound impact the dancer has on the narrator's life, embodying both sustenance and longing. The imagery of the dancer's golden satin shoes and the laurel tree in the narrator's courtyard further enriches the song's nostalgic and dreamlike quality.

However, the song takes a darker turn as the narrator reflects on the painful and unfulfilled aspects of this relationship. The dancer's kisses are described as 'screams,' her bones as 'chains and locks,' and her skin as 'sealed paper,' suggesting a sense of entrapment and unreciprocated love. The gratitude expressed for the 'rare sweetness' of the dancer's honor and the 'sin and hunger' she brought into the narrator's life highlights the bittersweet nature of their connection. Ultimately, the song concludes with a poignant acknowledgment of abandonment, as the dancer leaves the narrator behind, crossing the platform and moving on with her life.

Zitarrosa's masterful use of metaphor and vivid imagery in 'Baila La Maga (o Verte Bailar)' creates a rich tapestry of emotions, capturing the beauty, pain, and fleeting nature of love. The song's melancholic tone and intricate storytelling invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of love and loss, making it a timeless and deeply resonant piece of music.