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Madreselva (La polla)

Madreselva (La polla) is a Tango written by Francisco Canaro and recorded by Aníbal Troilo in 1964. The Tango Madreselva (La polla) is written by Francisco Canaro, Aníbal Troilo has recorded Madreselva (La polla) with the singer Nelly Vázquez.
“Madreselva (La polla)” translates to “Honeysuckle (The chick)” in English. The name evokes a sense of nostalgia and vulnerability, intertwining the delicate fragrance of honeysuckle vines with youthful innocence. This piece of music dances gracefully between the sweetness of memory and the raw edge of life, capturing the bittersweet beauty of fleeting moments.

Tango

Style

Aníbal Troilo

Orchestra

Nelly Vázquez

Singer

Luis César Amadori

Author

Francisco Canaro

Composer

1964/2/3

Date

Nelly Vázquez
Nelly Vázquez
Aníbal Troilo
Aníbal Troilo

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Lyrics Translation of the Tango Madreselva (La polla)

This is the translation of the Tango ” Madreselva (La polla) ” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango ” Madreselva (La polla) ” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Madreselva (La polla)

Vieja pared
del arrabal,
tu sombra fue
mi compañera.
De mi niñez
sin esplendor
la amiga fue
tu madreselva.
Cuando temblando
mi amor primero
con esperanzas
besaba mi alma,
yo junto a vos,
pura y feliz,
cantaba así
mi primera confesión.

Madreselvas en flor
que me vieron nacer
y en la vieja pared
sorprendieron mi amor,
tu humilde caricia
es como el cariño
primero y querido
que siento por él.
Madreselvas en flor
que trepándose van
es tu abrazo tenaz
y dulzón como aquel,
si todos los años
tus flores renacen,
hacé que no muera
mi primer amor…
Pasaron los años
y mis desengaños
yo vengo a contarte,
mi vieja pared…

Así aprendí
que hay que fingir
para vivir
decentemente;
que amor y fe
mentiras son
y del dolor
se ríe la gente…
Hoy que la vida
me ha castigado
y me ha enseñado
su credo amargo,
vieja pared,
con emoción
me acerco a vos
y te digo como ayer.

Madreselvas en flor
que me vieron nacer
y en la vieja pared
sorprendieron mi amor,
tu humilde caricia
es como el cariño
primero y querido
que nunca olvidé.
Madreselvas en flor
que trepándose van,
es tu abrazo tenaz
y dulzón como aquel…
Si todos los años
tus flores renacen,
¿por qué ya no vuelve
mi primer amor?

English lyrics of the Tango " Madreselva (La polla) "

Old wall
of the neighborhood,
your shadow was
my companion.
From my dull childhood
you were the friend,
your honeysuckle.
When trembling
my first love
with hopes
kissed my soul,
beside you,
pure and happy,
I sang thus
my first confession.

Honeysuckles in bloom
that saw me born
and on the old wall
witnessed my love,
your humble touch
is like the dear
first affection
I feel for him.
Honeysuckles in bloom
that climb up high
are your tenacious embrace,
sweet as it was.
If every year
your flowers are reborn,
let not my first love die.
Years have passed
and my disappointments
I come to tell you now,
my old wall…

That’s how I learned
one must pretend
to live
respectably;
that love and faith
are lies
and people laugh
at one’s pain…
Today that life
has punished me
and taught me
its bitter creed,
old wall,
with emotion
I come to you
and I tell you as I did before.

Honeysuckles in bloom
that saw me born
and on the old wall
witnessed my love,
your humble touch
is like the dear
first affection
I never forgot.
Honeysuckles in bloom
climbing up high,
are your tenacious embrace,
sweet as it was…
If every year
your flowers are reborn,
why then doesn’t
my first love return?

Madreselva (La polla) by Francisco Canaro

Madreselva (La polla) is a Tango written by unknown and composed by Francisco Canaro.

Story behind the Tango Madreselva (La polla)

This tango, set against the backdrop of Buenos Aires in the mid-20th century, unravels a poignant tale of nostalgia and lost love. The narrator reflects on their past, anchored to a wall covered by honeysuckle, which stands as a silent witness to their first love. Through the passage of time, the narrator’s perspective shifts from innocent naivety to a cynical understanding of life’s hardships and falsehoods. This narrative evolution conveys a universal theme of growing up and learning harsh truths about love and life.

Symbolism of Madreselva (La polla)

The honeysuckle (“madreselva”) is a powerful symbol woven throughout the tango. It represents the persistence of memories and the passage of time, with its annual blooming mirroring the narrator’s memories of youthful love and hope. The wall, a steadfast and silent companion, symbolizes constancy amidst the changing tides of life. Key phrases like “tu sombra fue mi compañera” highlight a deep connection with one’s roots and past, while “amor y fe mentiras son” portrays the disillusionment with life’s initial ideals.

Madreselva (La polla) in Historic Context

The tango emerges from the vibrant cultural milieu of Buenos Aires in 1964, a time when the city was a melting pot of artistic and political expression. It reflects the broader Argentinian societal shifts towards modernity and the accompanying sense of loss of simpler, bygone times. The tango, deeply rooted in the Argentine identity, often captures such emotional and societal undercurrents, resonating with listeners who identify with its themes of nostalgia and heartache.

About Francisco Canaro

Francisco Canaro was a prominent figure in the Argentine tango scene, known for his influential compositions and contributions to the genre. His works remain a staple in tango music, celebrated for their emotional depth and cultural authenticity.