A Medianoche

Carlos Gardel's song "A Medianoche" paints a poignant picture of an elderly woman wandering the desolate streets at midnight. The lyrics describe her as a ghostly figure, moving through the rain or serene night, burdened by her sorrow. This imagery sets a melancholic tone, highlighting her isolation and the weight of her grief. The woman is depicted as a tragic character, endlessly walking until dawn, hiding in the shadows, and carrying the heavy load of her pain. This portrayal evokes a deep sense of empathy and sadness for her plight.

The song delves into the backstory of this woman, revealing that she once had a granddaughter who abandoned her. The lyrics suggest that the granddaughter was ungrateful and left her grandmother to fend for herself. This abandonment is the source of the woman's endless sorrow and her nightly wanderings. The people of the lower-class neighborhoods, who know her story, speak of her with a mix of pity and understanding. They recognize her as a symbol of the harsh realities of life, where love and loyalty can be fleeting, and betrayal can leave lasting scars.

Gardel's lyrics also touch on themes of social inequality and the harshness of life in the suburbs. The elderly woman's plight is a reflection of the broader struggles faced by the humble and marginalized people in these areas. Her life, filled with falsehoods and disappointments, is a stark contrast to the idealized notions of family and community. The song's mournful tone and vivid imagery serve as a powerful commentary on the human condition, emphasizing the pain of loss, the cruelty of abandonment, and the enduring hope for compassion and understanding.