Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Style
Orchestra
Singer
Author
Composer
Date
These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.
Cuándo volverás is a Tango written by José Horacio and composed by Pedro Maffia.
The lyrics of “Cuándo volverás” depict the poignant tale of a woman whose life has been marred by choices that led her into a world of superficial glamour and luxury, symbolized by her reference as a “withered flower, sick flower, flower of luxury and pleasure.” This narrative unfolds as a plea or a reflection, perhaps from a mother or a moral society, urging her to return to her roots and the purity symbolized by her familial home. The imagery of being lost and then called back to where one belongs evokes a universal theme of redemption and return.
The song uses powerful symbols like “withered flower” and “sick flower” to denote the protagonist’s deteriorated state, both physically and morally. The lyric “flor del lujo y del placer” contrasts the natural purity of a flower with the corruption of luxury and pleasure, enhancing the tragedy of her fall from grace. The references to moths drawn to light, resulting in their wings being burnt, further symbolize the destructive allure of a hedonistic lifestyle. Additionally, the recurring appeal, “Cuándo volverás?” serves not just as a question but as a lament and a beacon of hope for redemption.
“Cuándo volverás” was recorded in 1949, a period post-World War II where societies were grappling with significant social shifts and the moral questions emerging from the consequences of modernity and war. Argentina during this time was experiencing its own cultural transformations, with Tango often acting as a reflective medium for the public’s sentiments. The lyrics’ focus on loss, redemption, and the value of simplicity over decadence could be seen as reflective of the broader yearnings for a return to ‘normalcy’ and moral simplicity in a rapidly changing world.
José Horacio, known for his emotionally resonant tangos, captivated audiences with his deep understanding of human emotions and societal values.