Alle Prese Con Una Verde Milonga

Paolo Conte's song "Alle Prese Con Una Verde Milonga" is a poetic and evocative exploration of the relationship between the musician and the music, specifically the milonga, a traditional Argentine dance. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the musician's deep connection with the milonga, describing it as both a source of joy and a demanding taskmaster. The phrase "verde milonga" (green milonga) suggests a fresh, vibrant, and perhaps untamed version of the dance, which captivates and challenges the musician.

The song delves into the musician's experience, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of playing the milonga. The musician is both entertained and exhausted by the dance, which seems to have been written specifically for him, reflecting his sensitivity, polished shoes, and personal taste. The milonga is personified as an "inquieta" (restless) entity that elicits a smile of respite with each chord, while simultaneously tormenting the musician's fingers. This duality underscores the complex and intimate bond between the artist and his art.

Conte's lyrics also touch on the cultural and historical roots of the milonga, describing its African origins and its elegant, zebra-like grace. The milonga is portrayed as a frontier, a green boundary between playing and loving, a spectacle to be pursued endlessly. The imagery of chasing the milonga to the "laghi bianchi del silenzio" (white lakes of silence) suggests a quest for transcendence through music. The mention of Athaualpa or another god inviting the musician to rest implies a divine recognition of the musician's dedication and passion. Ultimately, the song is a celebration of the musician's journey, his love for the milonga, and the hidden dance of his heart.