Milonga de Albornoz

Jorge Luis Borges' 'Milonga de Albornoz' is a poignant narrative that intertwines fate, memory, and the inexorable passage of time. The song tells the story of Alejo Albornoz, a man whose life and death are marked by a sense of inevitability and stoic acceptance. Borges, known for his profound literary works, brings his narrative prowess to this milonga, a traditional Argentine musical form that often tells stories of love, loss, and heroism.

The lyrics begin by setting a tone of predestination, with references to someone who has already counted the days and knows the hour, suggesting a higher power or fate that governs the events of Albornoz's life. Albornoz is depicted as a man who lives in the moment, whistling a milonga and seeing the morning through the brim of his hat. This imagery evokes a sense of calm before the storm, as the narrative soon shifts to the dangers that lurk in his life.

Albornoz's life is filled with love affairs, card games, and violent encounters, painting a picture of a man who lives on the edge. The lyrics describe how he is targeted by multiple adversaries, culminating in a fatal confrontation where he is attacked by three knives. Despite the violence, Albornoz's face remains unmoved, and he dies with a sense of indifference, as if accepting his fate. Borges concludes the song by reflecting on how Albornoz's story lives on in the milonga, highlighting the dual nature of time as both a force of forgetfulness and remembrance.

Through 'Milonga de Albornoz,' Borges explores themes of destiny, the fleeting nature of life, and the enduring power of stories. The song serves as a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the timeless nature of folklore, capturing the essence of Argentine culture and history.