Anclao en Paris by Enrique Cadícamo

Anclao en Paris is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Guillermo Barbieri.

Story behind the Tango Anclao en Paris

“Anclao en Paris,” which translates to “Anchored in Paris” in English, captures the poignant emotions of nostalgia and longing for one’s homeland. The narrator speaks from Paris, where he has been living as a wandering bohemian, far from his beloved Buenos Aires. The tone conveys a deep sense of being lost and disconnected, stranded without money or faith, and clinging to the memories of his past life. The repeated refrain of his desire to return, yet being stuck, shapes the central theme of the tango.

Symbolism of Anclao en Paris

The imagery of snow falling gently and the dim, reddish lights of the boulevard evoke a scene of quiet solitude and isolation. These “pupils of strange gaze” symbolically represent windows to the past, viewing memories that are fading yet haunting. The mention of specific streets in Buenos Aires—Corrientes, Suipacha, and Esmeralda—adds a layer of personal nostalgia, emphasizing the change and development he has missed. These streets also symbolize paths both taken and not taken, hinting at the choices in life that once made, delineate one’s future.

Anclao en Paris in Historic Context

Recorded in 1931, the timeframe for “Anclao en Paris” is crucial for understanding its emotional depth. This period was characterized by significant socio-economic changes worldwide, including the impacts of the Great Depression. The tango mirrors the turmoil and displacement felt by many during this era, particularly as individuals like the narrator in the song ventured away from their native lands in search of better prospects or due to adverse circumstances, only to find themselves stranded and longing for home.

Enrique Cadícamo

Enrique Cadícamo was a significant Argentine lyricist and poet, renowned for his indelible contributions to the world of Tango music.