Balada Para Mi Muerte

Astor Piazzolla's song "Balada Para Mi Muerte" is a poignant and introspective piece that delves into themes of mortality, nostalgia, and the intimate connection between the artist and his beloved city, Buenos Aires. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator's final moments, set against the backdrop of the city that has been a significant part of his life. The song opens with the narrator contemplating his death at dawn, a time symbolically associated with both endings and new beginnings. This duality is reflected in the serene acceptance of his fate as he prepares to leave behind the 'things of living,' including his poetry, tobacco, tango, and a sense of melancholy ('splin') that has accompanied him throughout his life.

The second verse introduces a more personal and emotional layer, as the narrator addresses a loved one, possibly a personification of Buenos Aires itself. The imagery of 'old deaths' and 'sadness to the feet' suggests a deep-seated sorrow and a history of loss that the narrator carries with him. The plea to be embraced tightly reveals a longing for comfort and connection in his final moments. The mention of 'Santa Fe' and 'Plaza Francia' grounds the song in specific locations within Buenos Aires, adding a layer of authenticity and personal history to the narrative.

The recurring motif of dying at dawn and the repetition of 'when it is six' underscores the inevitability and precision of death. The song's melancholic tone is heightened by the references to unspoken verses and memories that will quietly fade away. Piazzolla's use of tango elements in the music further enriches the emotional depth of the lyrics, creating a hauntingly beautiful elegy that resonates with themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The song is a testament to Piazzolla's ability to blend poetic lyricism with the evocative power of tango, capturing the essence of Buenos Aires and the human experience in the face of mortality.