Garúa by Enrique Cadícamo

Garúa is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Aníbal Troilo.

Story behind the Tango Garúa

The lyrics of “Garúa” poignantly capture the feelings of loneliness and melancholy. The narrative voice in the tango expresses deep sorrow brought by the absence or loss of a loved one. The cold, desolate night setting adds to the overarching theme of loneliness. Phrases such as “¡Qué noche llena de hastío y de frío!” and “Solo y triste por la acera” illustrate the protagonist’s emotional and physical discomfort as he ventures alone, reflecting on his gloomy thoughts.

Symbolism of Garúa

“Garúa” itself, meaning “drizzle” in English, symbolizes a persistent, pervasive sadness. The fine rain does not pour but instead envelops the surroundings in a silent, mournful weight. The recurring theme of the weather’s impact, with the cold penetrating “hasta los huesos” (right to the bones), metaphorically represents the deep, chilling sadness the speaker feels. The mention of the night being a “pozo de sombras” (well of shadows) further underscores the depth of despair experienced.

Garúa in historic Context

Recorded in 1943 in Argentina, “Garúa” reflects the sentimental nature prevalent in much of tango music during this era, where themes of love, loss, and nostalgia were widespread against the backdrop of a socially and politically evolving Argentina. The tango emerged as an expression of the working class, conveying emotions that were universally felt but often unspoken, which resonates in the profound feelings of abandonment and longing for the past articulated in “Garúa.”

Enrique Cadícamo

Enrique Cadícamo was a renowned Argentine poet and tango lyricist, whose contributions to the genre encapsulated the emotional landscape of Argentine culture.