Cuando tallan los recuerdos by Enrique Cadícamo

Cuando tallan los recuerdos is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Rafael Rossi.

Story behind the Tango Cuando tallan los recuerdos

The lyrics of “Cuando tallan los recuerdos” translate to “When memories carve.” This poignant expression reveals the core theme of the tango—memories and their persistent impact on us. Enrique Cadícamo uses evocative language to convey the solitude and nostalgia that accompany remembering the past. The recurrence of rain and the lonely setting in a room set a somber mood, emphasizing solitude and reflection. Through the metaphor of a rainswept suburb and a silent bandoneon, Cadícamo delves into the feelings of lost glories and the unrelenting passage of time.

Symbolism of Cuando tallan los recuerdos

The bandoneon in this tango stands out as a primary symbol, representing the author’s personal history and artistic journey. As he mentions this familiar instrument, its state of disuse underscores themes of abandonment and change. The phrase “mi bandoneón del recuerdo” or “my bandoneon of memory,” reiterates how integral these memories are, locked within an instrument now silent but once vibrant with life and music. When Cadícamo writes about the bandoneon that “ya no existe,” it signifies not just the physical absence but the emotional void left by its silence. The rain, simultaneously, symbolizes the continuous and sometimes overwhelming flow of memories.

Cuando tallan los recuerdos in historic Context

Cuando tallan los recuerdos was crafted during a time when Argentina, like much of the world, had undergone significant changes. The year 1980 marked ongoing political and social upheaval. In this context, Cadícamo’s yearning for days of yore and his mourning of personal and collective pasts resonate with a society facing uncertainty and transformation. Thus, the tango can be seen as reflecting not only personal nostalgia but also a collective longing for steadiness in tumultuous times.

Enrique Cadícamo

Enrique Cadícamo was a renowned Argentine lyricist and poet, known for his significant contributions to the tango genre. His works often encapsulate deep emotions and vivid scenes of urban life.