Amémonos by Manuel Ceferino Flores

Amémonos is a Tango written by Manuel Ceferino Flores and composed by Carlos Montbrun Ocampo.

Story behind the Tango Amémonos

The poignant lyrics of “Amémonos,” which translates to “Let’s Love Each Other,” depict a narrator’s deep yearning for a profound, almost sacred union. The narrative is a soul’s search for its counterpart, emphasizing a connection that transcends physical presence. The narrator has long envisaged this ideal of love, one that is not only fulfilling emotionally but is also redemptive and cathartic, providing solace and reciprocating shared burdens of pain.

Symbolism of Amémonos

Symbolism in “Amémonos” is rich and evocatively ties human emotions with divine experiences. The use of religious imagery, likening the sought-after love to sensing God’s presence in a temple, elevates the romantic love to a spiritual experience. The soul’s quest is framed as a pilgrimage, a journey not of sight, but of faith and feeling. The line, “Amar, amar… es llevar herido / Por un dardo celeste el corazón,” uses the symbol of an arrow-pierced heart to express love as a sublime but painful experience, connecting it to the soul-transforming sacrifices often found in spiritual lore.

Amémonos in Historic Context

Written and recorded in the post-war era of Argentina, in 1948, “Amémonos” arose during a time of national rebuilding and reflection. This period was marked by a resurgent interest in exploring national identity and cultural expression through the arts. The song’s focus on internal exploration and existential questioning mirrors the societal introspection of the time. The plaintive call to love amidst a world of suffering suggests a yearning for solace and sanctuary which resonated with many during this period of recovery.

Manuel Ceferino Flores

Manuel Ceferino Flores was an Argentine poet known for his deep, evocative tangos that often explored themes of love, loss, and existential yearning.