Qué Tarde Que Has Venido (feat. Argentino Ledesma)

“Qué Tarde Que Has Venido” by Héctor Varela y Su Orquesta Típica, featuring Argentino Ledesma, is a poignant tango that delves deep into themes of lost love, regret, and the passage of time. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a lover who returns too late, only to find that the warmth and tenderness they once shared have been extinguished by life's harsh realities. The repeated phrase “Que tarde que has venido” (How late you have come) underscores the sense of missed opportunities and the irreversible nature of time.

The imagery in the song is rich and evocative. The mention of winter symbolizes the coldness and desolation that has settled in the narrator's heart. The lines “Mis labios están secos / Amargos como hiel” (My lips are dry / Bitter as gall) further emphasize the bitterness and sorrow that have replaced the once sweet emotions. The reference to “llamas de tu infierno” (flames of your hell) suggests that the lover's actions have left deep scars, turning what was once a heart into a collection of wounds.

The song also explores the theme of pride and its destructive power. The line “La noche que tú orgullo / Fue un dique entre los dos” (The night your pride / Was a dam between us) highlights how pride can create insurmountable barriers in relationships. The narrator's anguish is palpable as they recall the night they lost their love, their cries of “por qué, por qué” (why, why) echoing their despair. The song concludes with a sense of resignation, as the narrator accepts that the past cannot be changed and that the lover's return only brings back painful memories and a “vieja maldición” (old curse).

“Qué Tarde Que Has Venido” is a masterful tango that captures the essence of heartbreak and the lingering pain of lost love. Its melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply, making it a timeless piece that speaks to the universal experience of regret and the passage of time.