Cantando se van las penas by Juan Canaro

Cantando se van las penas is a Tango written by [Author Name] and composed by Juan Canaro.

Story behind the Tango Cantando se van las penas

The tango “Cantando se van las penas” beautifully encapsulates the emotional complexities and heartfelt yearnings often found in Argentine tango music. The song expresses the singer’s reliance on music as a salve for emotional anguish—an attempt to mask their sorrow with song while grappling with the fear of love’s loss. Through lyrical lamentation, the singer reaches out to a beloved, communicating vulnerability and desire for emotional reconciliation. This tango taps into the universal theme of love’s pain and healing, offering a cathartic release through the act of singing.

Symbolism of Cantando se van las penas

The central symbol in the song is the act of singing itself. Singing is depicted not just as an artistic pursuit but as a necessary means of alleviating grief—“Cantando se van las penas” (“Singing makes the sorrows go away”). It suggests that through the melodic articulation of pain, one can find solace or at least the strength to endure. Another notable phrase, “si mi corazón no llora es porque estoy ahogado en llanto” (“if my heart doesn’t cry, it’s because I’m drowned in tears”), highlights the depth of unspoken sorrow, where internal anguish is so overwhelming it leaves one speechless. This evocative imagery enhances the emotional resonance of the song, illustrating how silence can sometimes mask deep emotional turmoil.

Cantando se van las penas in historic Context

Composed in 1943, this tango emerges from Buenos Aires, a city bustling with tango culture and a melting pot of European and South American influences. This era was marked by the post-Great Depression recovery and the brewing political changes leading up to the mid-20th century in Argentina, which often reflected in the arts a profound exploration of identity, longing, and existential pain. In this context, the tango becomes not just a dance or a song but a poignant commentary on personal and collective struggles, making “Cantando se van las penas” an authentic voice from this historical milieu.

Juan Canaro was an esteemed Argentine composer known for his contributions to tango music, leaving a lasting legacy within this vibrant cultural tradition.