Volvió Una Noche

The song 'Volvió Una Noche' by Carlos Gardel, a prominent figure in the history of Tango, tells a story of a poignant reunion and the bittersweet realization that the past cannot be revived. The lyrics describe the unexpected return of a former lover, whose anxious appearance evokes sympathy rather than the bitterness of past betrayal. The protagonist is confronted with a request for forgiveness and a hopeful desire to return to the 'springtime' of their past relationship.

However, the refrain 'Mentira mentira' (Lie, lie) reveals the protagonist's inner thoughts, expressing the futility of trying to resurrect what has been lost to time. The song captures the essence of tango's emotional depth, with themes of love, loss, and the inexorable passage of time. The protagonist ultimately chooses not to voice these thoughts, showing compassion instead. This act of mercy is met with an understanding look from the former lover, who acknowledges the harsh reality with a resigned 'Es la vida' (Such is life), before disappearing from the protagonist's life forever.

The final verses of the song reflect on the protagonist's own aging, seen in the mirror after the lover's departure. The recognition of their own winters is a metaphor for the passage of time and the changes it brings, both physically and emotionally. The song ends with a sense of mutual pity and the acceptance of life's relentless march forward, leaving behind only memories and the ghosts of what once was.