Fumando espero by Félix Garzo

Fumando espero is a Tango written by Félix Garzo and composed by Juan Viladomat.

Story behind the Tango Fumando espero

“Fumando espero” translates to “Smoking, I wait” in English. The lyrics illustrate a scene where the protagonist, likely a woman, expresses how smoking becomes a sensual, enjoyably languid experience as she waits for the man she loves. This tango is not just about waiting; it’s about the pleasure derived from the act of smoking itself which intertwines with her emotions of anticipation and desire.

Symbolism of Fumando espero

The repeated lines “Fumar es un placer, genial, sensual,” which mean “Smoking is a blissful, sensual pleasure” set the tone for the combined themes of waiting and indulgence. Smoking here symbolizes a personal ritual that accompanies her longing. Each puff represents a moment of pleasure and an act of filling the time while she languishes in thoughts of an impending romantic encounter. The smoke itself is a metaphor, visualizing her desires and dreams swirling into reality.

Fumando espero in historic Context

Recorded in 1955, a time when the glamour of smoking was celebrated and often associated with sophistication, the tango capitalizes on the cultural attitudes towards smoking. Argentina during this period was marked by tango’s soaring popularity, which resonated with themes of passion, romance, and sometimes melancholy. The act of waiting “tras los cristales de alegres ventanales” which translates as “behind the glass panes of cheerful windows,” hints at an urban setting, evoking images of an intimate, private space amidst a bustling city.

Félix Garzo

Félix Garzo was a poet and lyricist known for his contributions to the Argentine tango genre.