Ausencia (2) by Mario César Gomila

Ausencia (2) is a Tango written by Mario César Gomila and composed by Alberto Castellanos.

Story behind the Tango Ausencia (2)

“Ausencia (2)” directly translates to “Absence” in English, which effectively captures the primary emotion of the lyrics: the profound sense of longing and emptiness due to separation. The poetic voice in the tango speaks from a deep solitude and yearning for the return of a beloved whose absence fills the narrator’s world with silence and sadness. The narrator dreams of a reunion, filled with warmth, affection, and the comforting sound of the loved one’s voice.

Symbolism of Ausencia (2)

The lyrics are rich in symbolism that poetically underscores the themes of absence, longing, and hope. Phrases like “Hoy nieva de silencio” (Today it snows of silence) and “nieva de tristeza” (snows of sadness) evoke an image of silence and sadness enveloping and blanketing the speaker’s life, as snow would cover a landscape. This effectively emphasizes the cold, empty, and muted world the speaker inhabits without their loved one. “La primavera que florecerá” (The spring that will bloom) symbolizes a renewal or rebirth of happiness and love expected with the return of the beloved, transcending the harsh ‘winter’ of their separation.

Ausencia (2) in Historic Context

The tango, recorded in 1947, was created in post-war Argentina, a period marked by significant social and political changes and a strong sense of rebuilding. This context accentuates the themes of longing and hope in “Ausencia (2)”. The nostalgic and melancholic tone reflects perhaps a communal sentiment of loss and the desire for a return to better times, personified through the emotional and physical absence articulated in the lyrics.

Mario César Gomila

Mario César Gomila was an influential figure in the tango scene, known for the emotive depth and poetic quality of his lyrics.