Matrimonio (part. Alberto Echagüe)
Juan D'arienzo
The Disillusionment of Matrimony: A Tango Tale
Juan D'arienzo's song "Matrimonio," featuring Alberto Echagüe, is a poignant and somewhat humorous exploration of the disillusionment that can follow the pursuit of marriage. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who has spent a significant portion of her life preparing for and dreaming about the perfect marriage. She has gone to great lengths, from praying to Saint Anthony to trying various diets, all in the hope of securing a good husband and achieving a sense of security and fulfillment.
However, the reality of her marriage falls far short of her expectations. The husband she longed for turns out to be more of a burden than a blessing, described as being more tired than an old horse. The metaphor of a fabric that shrinks when washed symbolizes the disappointing reality that doesn't live up to the polished image she had in her mind. The song uses humor and irony to highlight the contrast between her dreams and the mundane, often frustrating reality of married life.
The lyrics also touch on the societal pressures and cultural norms that push women towards marriage as a goal. The woman in the song is depicted as someone who has followed all the traditional steps—learning to cook, keeping herself chaste, and dressing modestly—only to find that these efforts have not led to the happiness she was promised. The song serves as a cautionary tale, warning other women to be wary of the societal expectations that may lead them to a similar fate. The final lines, advising women to be careful when choosing a husband, underscore the song's message about the potential pitfalls of blindly following societal norms.