Noche de Reyes

The song 'Noche de Reyes' by Carlos Gardel tells a heart-wrenching story of love, betrayal, and the consequences of a man's actions. Carlos Gardel, known as one of the most prominent figures in the history of tango, often sang about themes of passion, sorrow, and the darker aspects of love, which are vividly portrayed in this song.

The lyrics describe a man who loved his partner deeply, transforming his life for the better because of her. He became a good, honest husband and a hardworking man, proud of the family they built together, especially their son. However, this idyllic life shatters on the night of the Epiphany (Noche de Reyes), a holiday celebrated in Spanish-speaking countries, where children receive gifts from the Three Wise Men. The man discovers his partner's infidelity with his most trusted friend. In a fit of rage and feeling his honor violated, he kills them both. The song ends with the tragic irony of their child leaving out shoes, expecting gifts, unaware that his father has killed his mother for her betrayal.

The song uses the holiday of Noche de Reyes as a backdrop for the narrative, contrasting the joy and innocence associated with the day with the dark and violent act committed by the protagonist. The story is a cautionary tale about the destructive power of jealousy and the irreversible damage caused by acts of vengeance. It's a poignant reminder of the fragility of happiness and the devastating impact of betrayal on a person's life.