Los mareados by Enrique Cadicamo

Los mareados is a Tango written by Enrique Cadicamo and composed by Juan Carlos Cobian.

Story behind the Tango Los mareados

“Los mareados” translates to “The Dizzy” or “The Bewildered” in English, capturing the essence of a poignant, intoxicating encounter. The lyrics begin with a reminiscence of a past, passionate love tinged with melancholy and despair, portrayed through a scene of two former lovers reunited in a moment of shared intoxication. The speaker encounters his beloved “as if lit up,” drinking and laughing “madly” to avoid crying, suggesting deep internal torment. The emotional narrative unfolds to reveal themes of love lost, memory and inevitability of change. Through a tender and somewhat fatalistic acknowledgment, both acknowledge that their paths will diverge forever.

Symbolism of Los mareados

The charged imagery of glittering, electric-looking eyes and the emotive setting of a champagne-soaked night enhances the symbolic depth. Eyes traditionally symbolize gateways to the soul, and their “electric ardor” might represent the still-potent emotions and memories of past love. Champagne, often associated with celebrations, here ironically underscores the sorrow hidden beneath outward joviality. The repeated phrase “esta noche beberemos porque ya no volveremos a vernos más” (tonight we drink because we will not see each other again) highlights the transient nature of human relationships and pleasures, pointing to a resignation towards life’s inevitable changes and heartaches.

Los mareados in historic Context

“Los mareados” was written in 1942, in an era characterized by intense social and political changes in Argentina, right before Juan Perón’s rise to power. This period, with its underlying societal anxieties and transitions, could be mirrored in the nostalgic and bittersweet tones of the tango. During this time, Tango was a reflective voice for the working-class city dwellers, expressing their communal sentiments of despair, hope, and romantic disillusionment. Thus, “Los mareados” reflects a particular historical sentiment, encapsulating personal grief and collective uncertainty.

Enrique Cadicamo

Enrique Cadicamo was a renowned Argentine poet and tango lyricist, pivotal in defining the narrative style of classic tango songs. He skillfully wove complex human emotions and societal reflections into his lyrics, influencing the genre profoundly.