Oigo tu voz by Francisco García Jiménez

Oigo tu voz is a Tango written by Francisco García Jiménez and composed by Mario Canaro.

Story behind the Tango Oigo tu voz

“Oigo tu voz” (I Hear Your Voice) captures the emotional depth of longing and memory, combining elements of despair and hope. The lyrics convey the protagonist’s internal turmoil as they struggle between the fear of death (“Miedo de morir”) and the desire to live (“Ansia de vivir”). This tango illustrates a profound emotional dialogue with one’s memories and the voices of the past that emerge in moments of solitude. The emotional spectrum ranges from sorrow and loss to a glimmer of hope that is awakened by recalling a loved one’s voice.

Symbolism of Oigo tu voz

The recurring theme of hearing a voice symbolizes the echoing presence of a past love that continues to inhabit the protagonist’s heart and mind. The voice acts as a beacon of light (“La luz y la vida de un rayo de sol”), symbolizing vitality and hope amidst the shadows of solitude. The lyrical question, “No quiero abrir, para no llorar muerta mi ilusión,” underscores the fear of shattering the last fragments of hope by facing reality—a reality where the love might no longer exist except in echoes and memories.

Oigo tu voz in Historic Context

Recorded in Argentina during the early 1940s, “Oigo tu voz” emerged in a period marked by global and local uncertainties due to World War II and changing political landscapes. The longing and nostalgia in Tango often reflected broader societal sentiments of displacement and longing for stability. The existential themes in the lyrics could mirror the collective yearning for better times or the remembrance of a pre-war world, making it resonate deeply with its contemporary audience.

Francisco García Jiménez

Francisco García Jiménez was an influential lyricist in the realm of Argentine tango, known for his evocative and deeply emotional writing style.