Tajo a Tajo (Milonga)

In 'Tajo a Tajo (Milonga),' Ruben Alberto Benegas paints a vivid picture of decay and nostalgia through the lens of a once-vibrant rural life now succumbing to the relentless passage of time. The song's title, which translates to 'Cut by Cut,' sets the tone for a narrative steeped in gradual deterioration and loss. The lyrics are rich with imagery, depicting a world where the singer's guitar no longer sings with the same pride and vigor, symbolizing a loss of spirit and vitality. The guitar's transformation from a source of joy to a reluctant, mournful instrument mirrors the broader theme of decline that permeates the song.

The second verse shifts focus to the physical decay of the singer's home and surroundings. The once-sturdy pillars of the ranch have become crooked and weak, the roof battered by relentless winds, and the once-protective fence now ineffective. This imagery of structural decay serves as a metaphor for the erosion of stability and security in the singer's life. The encroachment of nature, with fields overtaken by weeds and the absence of singing birds, further emphasizes the sense of abandonment and desolation.

In the final verse, Benegas reflects on the transformation of the landscape from a 'field of flowers' to a barren, unforgiving terrain. The once-beautiful and fragrant clover fields, a source of pride and joy, have been replaced by harsh, unyielding conditions. This shift not only represents the physical changes brought by time but also the emotional toll it takes on the singer. The repeated phrase 'tajo a tajo' underscores the slow, painful process of decline, as each 'cut' by time drives the singer further into despair. Through this poignant milonga, Benegas captures the universal experience of aging and the inevitable loss that accompanies it, resonating deeply with listeners who have witnessed the passage of time in their own lives.