Iré by Enrique Cadícamo

Iré is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Enrique Rodríguez.

Story behind the Tango Iré

“Iré” explores the depths of heartbreak and the personal struggle to cope with lost love. Through its poignant lyrics, the tango reflects the emotional turmoil of a person trying to hide their pain from the world, symbolized by the decision to bury their feelings “in the deepest part of our friend, the heart.” This narrative captures the universal theme of attempting to maintain composure and dignity amid the despair of romantic disappointment.

Symbolism of Iré

The recurring use of the term “Iré,” which translates to “I will go” in English, symbolizes a journey of emotional evasion and concealment in response to painful love experiences. The phrase “Iré escondiendo mi corazón” (I will go hiding my heart) poignantly signifies the choice to suppress and protect one’s emotions from further damage. This tango’s lyrics also utilize fire imagery, with lines mentioning that an inner fire sometimes makes “the woods of an old love” burn, suggesting how past relationships continue to affect us deeply, sometimes painfully reigniting emotions we thought had waned.

Iré in historic Context

Composed in 1943 in Argentina, “Iré” emerged during a period rich in the cultural expression of tango, which often mirrored the emotional and social atmospheres of the era. Post-World War II Argentina was a time of significant change and uncertainty, possibly influencing the themes of internal strife and guarded emotional expression in Cadícamo’s lyrics. The tango thus not only captures individual feelings but also echoes a broader societal sentiment of that era—reflecting perhaps a collective need to conceal vulnerabilities in trying times.

Enrique Cadícamo

Enrique Cadícamo was a renowned Argentine lyricist and poet, celebrated for his significant contributions to the genre of tango through many beloved classics.