Nostalgias by Enrique Cadícamo

Nostalgias is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Juan Carlos Cobián.

Story behind the Tango Nostalgias

“Nostalgias” vividly captures the intense emotions linked with unrequited or lost love. Enrique Cadícamo, through his evocative and poignant lyrics, explores the profound sadness and yearning for a past love. The lyrics begin with a desire to “emborrachar mi corazón” (to intoxicate my heart), an attempt to forget the pain of love. However, this act of drinking is not just physical but a metaphor for the need to numb the emotional pain that comes with lingering affection for someone no longer present.

Symbolism of Nostalgias

The tango uses potent symbols to emphasize its themes. The phrase “quiero emborrachar mi corazón” suggests an effort to drown sorrows and forget a “loco amor” (crazy love). Cadícamo extensively utilizes the metaphor of intoxication to describe the struggle of dealing with persistent thoughts of what was once a significant relationship. Meanwhile, “gime, bandoneón, tu tango gris” (moan, bandoneon, your gray tango) personifies the bandoneon, instilling it with the pain experienced by the speaker, suggesting that even the music shares in this feeling of sorrow. Additionally, the “rosas muertas de mi juventud” (dead roses of my youth) symbolize the loss of the freshness and vigor of youth, overshadowed by sadness and nostalgia.

Nostalgias in historic Context

The song “Nostalgias” was penned in 1973, a period of significant social and political turmoil in Argentina. This context adds a layer of depth to the emotions described in the song. The melancholy and longing could reflect, aside from personal loss, a broader societal nostalgia for better, more stable times amidst the period’s volatility. This helps explain the pervasive sense of loss that permeates the lyrics, resonating with an audience experiencing collective uncertainty and change.

Enrique Cadícamo

Enrique Cadícamo was a renowned Argentine poet and tango lyricist, celebrated for his contribution to the genre of Tango. His works often encapsulate themes of love, nostalgia, and the human condition.