La casita de mis viejos by Enrique Cadícamo

La casita de mis viejos is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Juan Carlos Cobián.

Story behind the Tango La casita de mis viejos

“La casita de mis viejos” conveys a narrative of a return, both physically and emotionally, to the childhood home where memories and past experiences reside. The protagonist, older and burdened by life’s hardships, revisits this symbolic place of origin reflecting both the passage of time and personal transformation. Emotional depth is crafted through the themes of regret, reconciliation, and the irreplaceable warmth of a mother’s love. This tango lyrically explores the inevitability of aging, the consequences of past choices, and the solace found in returning home.

Symbolism of La casita de mis viejos

The symbolism in this tango centers on the modest home (“la casita”), representing not only the physical space but also a reservoir of emotional grounding and familial connections. The phrases such as “cada cosa es un recuerdo” (every thing is a memory) and the depiction of the aging mother whose eyes are “nublados por el llanto” (clouded by tears), enhance this emotional depth. The house acts as a repository for the profound familial bond and the indefatigable love of a mother who, despite the protagonist’s long absence and the pain it caused, welcomes him back with forgiveness and compassion.

La casita de mis viejos in historic Context

Recorded in 1953, this tango emerges from a post-World War II Argentina, a period marked by significant political and social changes. The reflective, somber tone of the lyrics can be interpreted as mirroring the national sentiment of that era, where many individuals were reconsidering the concept of home and belonging in a rapidly changing world. The reversion to simpler, foundational elements like family and home in the lyrics can be seen as a response to the instability and transience of the time.

Enrique Cadícamo

Enrique Cadícamo was a prolific Argentine lyricist and poet, renowned for his contributions to the tango genre. His works are celebrated for their lyrical richness and emotional depth.