Argañaraz (Aquellas farras) by Enrique Cadícamo

Argañaraz (Aquellas farras) is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Roberto Firpo.

Story behind the Tango Argañaraz (Aquellas farras)

The Tango “Argañaraz (Aquellas farras)” paints a vivid picture of a bygone era populated by compadres and friends with a lively, often rowdy, way of life. Enrique Cadícamo uses nostalgia as the central theme, lamenting the irreversible passage of time and the inevitable fading away of youth. The lyrics evoke memories of the vibrant scenes of old with dancing and festivity, characterized by the classic moves of Tango, highlighted by moonlit nights and impassioned encounters.

The lines “Qué habrá sido de esa barra, bravucona y trensillera, que tanto dio que hablar por su guapear,” translate to wondering what became of those boisterous, spirited groups known for their boldness. This reflection on friends and scenes from the past carries a deep sense of loss and nostalgia, summing up feelings of reminiscence for the lively days now past.

Symbolism of Argañaraz (Aquellas farras)

Cadícamo effectively uses the symbol of the ‘candombeada’ – a dance with Afro-Uruguayan origins, suggesting a cultural amalgamation and a celebration of communal spirit in the Tango scene. The ‘medias lunas’ or half moons symbolize fleeting beauty and the cyclical nature of life, reinforcing the transient joy of the nights filled with Tango’s provocative energy through ‘cortes y quebradas’ (cut and break dance moves).

The lyrics “rimaban los corazones un pasaje sentimental,” translating to “hearts rhymed a sentimental journey,” showcase the deep emotional connection and shared experiences that the dance and the nights facilitated, binding hearts in nostalgic reminiscence.

Argañaraz (Aquellas farras) in historic Context

Recorded in the mid-1980s, a time when Argentina was transitioning out of a tumultuous political landscape, “Argañaraz (Aquellas farras)” may reflect a collective yearning for simpler, more joyous times amidst societal upheavals. The mention of specific characters like ‘el ñato Monteagudo,’ and their idiosyncratic actions such as getting “borracho de pernod” (drunk on Pernod) and contemplating drastic actions like suicide, encapsulate personal struggles within broader historical shifts, pointing to the socialemotional impacts of broader societal changes.

Enrique Cadícamo

Enrique Cadícamo was a prominent Argentine lyricist and poet, known for his significant contributions to the Tango genre.