Ahí va el dulce by Osvaldo Sosa Cordero

Ahí va el dulce is a Tango written by Osvaldo Sosa Cordero and composed by Juan Canaro.

Story behind the Tango Ahí va el dulce

The tango “Ahí va el dulce” translates to “There goes the sweet” in English, which metaphorically hints at the departure or loss of something tender and cherished, possibly alluding to an affectionate past or a beloved person. The lyrics reveal a profound emotional pain manifested through the mournful melody of a bandoneón. The narrative voice recalls a love now lost, evoking a time marked by a mix of bliss and sorrow. This past relationship brought transformative joy, depicted as a divine gift, but left a lingering desolation in its absence, highlighting a common theme in tango music: love, loss, and nostalgia.

Symbolism of Ahí va el dulce

Osvaldo Sosa Cordero’s choice of words imbues the lyrics with deep symbolism. The “llanto ‘e bandoneón” (crying bandoneón) symbolizes the voice of the soul, expressing unspeakable sadness through music often associated with tango. The bandoneón’s cry, filled with “un derroche de sentimiento” (an outpouring of feeling), emphasizes the intense emotional release essential to tango’s identity. Key phrases like “igual que un niño m’echo a llorar” (like a child, I start to cry) and “Hoy, al verme así, tras aquel soñar, triste es mi despertar” (Today, seeing myself like this, after that dreaming, sad is my awakening) communicate a poignant return to lonely reality after a period of blissful illusion.

Ahí va el dulce in historic Context

The tango was recorded in 1948, a time when Argentina was experiencing significant political, social, and economic transformations. Post-World War II, Argentina was marked by a growing urban population, industrial expansion, and the rise of Peronism. These factors might have influenced the tone and themes of tangos from this period, potentially reflecting a collective emotional state of the society—balancing between hope and melancholy. The historical backdrop provides deeper insight into why themes of longing and nostalgia are so prevalent in the tango lyrics, mirroring the uncertainties of the era.

Osvaldo Sosa Cordero

Osvaldo Sosa Cordero was a prominent Argentine musician, poet, and playwright known for his contributions to folk and tango music.