El Motivo

Edmundo Rivero's song "El Motivo" paints a poignant picture of a woman who was once the epitome of allure and charm in the vibrant tango scene. The lyrics tell the story of a former milonguera, a woman who danced the milonga, a lively and rhythmic dance closely related to tango. In her prime, she was the queen of the night, captivating everyone with her beauty and grace. However, the song reveals a stark contrast between her past glory and her present desolation. Now, she finds herself destitute, unable to afford even basic necessities like shoes and dresses. Her once radiant eyes have lost their sparkle, and her face has paled, reflecting her deteriorating health and spirit.

The song delves deeper into her emotional state, highlighting her profound sense of abandonment and loneliness. The woman is acutely aware that in her current condition—sick and penniless—she is no longer desired or loved. This realization brings her immense sorrow, as she reminisces about the days when she could effortlessly win hearts with just a glance. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for the past, a time when she was adored and admired, contrasting sharply with her present reality where she is forgotten and unloved.

Rivero's lyrics also touch on the broader theme of the fleeting nature of beauty and fame. The woman, once a celebrated figure in the tango world, now finds herself isolated and heartbroken. The melancholic notes of the bandoneones, a type of accordion used in tango music, serve as a reminder of her lost youth and the pleasures and loves that are now just bitter memories. The song captures the essence of tango itself—a dance and music genre deeply rooted in themes of love, loss, and longing. Through "El Motivo," Rivero not only tells the story of one woman's fall from grace but also reflects on the universal human experience of aging and the inevitable passage of time.