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)

Argañaraz (Aquellas farras) revolves around the theme of nostalgia and the timeless reflection on past times marked by camaraderie and youthful escapades. The lyrics fondly remember the old times and friends from the narrator’s adventurous youth, which are now long gone. The nostalgic tone emphasizes both the joy experienced during those years and the inevitable passing of time that brings changes and separations.

Symbolism of Argañaraz (Aquellas farras)

The tango is rich in symbolism, most notably using the moon (“medias lunas”) and dance movements (“cortes y quebradas”) to evoke the beauty and passion of the years gone by. The reference to “candombeada” reflects a dance typical of Afro-Uruguayan culture, symbolizing the blending of cultures within tango itself. The song creates an atmosphere of melancholy through the imagery of old friends enjoying the provocative and lively spirit of tango, a dance that itself symbolizes the meeting of different worlds and emotions.

Argañaraz (Aquellas farras) in Historic Context

Set in 1959, Argañaraz (Aquellas farras) offers a reflective look back at the golden age of tango from the perspective of an older generation. This period in Argentina was a time of significant cultural and political transitions. The lyrics mentioning friends like “el ñato Monteagudo,” who gets drunk and contemplates suicide, and others whom the narrator has lost contact with, reflect a broader theme of loss—loss of youth, friends, and perhaps a certain Argentine cultural identity amidst the changing tides.

Enrique Cadícamo

Enrique Cadícamo was a prolific Argentine lyricist and poet, known as one of the central figures in the history of tango.