Cacareando by Gerónimo Sureda

Cacareando is a Tango written by Gerónimo Sureda and composed by Antonio Sureda.

Story behind the Tango Cacareando

“Cacareando,” which translates to “Cackling” in English, is imbued with an allegorical depiction of aging and romantic endeavors. Through the metaphor of old chickens and roosters, the lyrics humorously and satirically explore themes of aging, vanity, and the pursuit of love later in life. Gerónimo Sureda uses the actions and dialogues between aged poultry to criticize and humor the denial of aging and the old-age attempts at rejuvenating lost youth.

Symbolism of Cacareando

The repeated references to chickens and roosters symbolize people vainly clinging to the appearance and behaviors of their youth. Phrases like “Gallina vieja… ¡Co – có!” and “Mi gallo viejo… ¡Qui – Quí!” juxtapose the characters in animal form to highlight the absurdity and futility. This comedic presentation nudges the listener towards a reflection on societal attitudes towards aging and romance. Additionally, the interjections “¡Co – có!” and “¡Qui – Quí!” mimic cackling sounds, enriching the storytelling by giving it a lively, auditory character that symbolizes the empty noise or meaningless talk akin to the futile attempts by the characters to regain their youth.

Cacareando in Historic Context

Released in 1933, a period where tango was a pervasive reflection of Argentine societal values and personal experiences, “Cacareando” reflects common comedic themes of the era, blending humor with critique. During this time, tango lyrics often contained layers of meaning, addressing everyday life subjects that resonated with the general populace. The humorous take on aging and the social roles expected of older individuals might also subtly reflect on resisting the traditional norms of giving in to age.

Gerónimo Sureda

Gerónimo Sureda was a notable figure in the tango world, bringing forward works that often incorporated everyday themes with a humorous twist.