Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.
Oyeme mamá is a Tango written by Julio Jorge Nelson and composed by Armando Baliotti.
The lyrics of “Oyeme mamá” reflect a deep narrative of loss and longing. The speaker addresses his departed mother, expressing a profound sense of abandonment and grief. The recurring cries of “¡Óyeme, mamá!” translate to “Hear me, mother!” in English, suggesting a desperate plea for connection beyond the grave. This song portrays an emotional journey through the night’s solitude, invoking a sense of an endless abyss caused by the mother’s absence. The poignant question “¿Por qué?” reveals the speaker’s struggle with understanding the reasons behind his loss, probing the fairness of fate.
The imagery used in “Oyeme mamá” is rich with symbolism that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics. The reference to the night (“¡Noche!…”) symbolizes darkness and loneliness, setting a somber mood. The contrast of seasons, where it is “autumn in spring,” suggests a disruption in the natural order, mirroring the unnatural feeling of a child losing a parent prematurely. The colorless fading of roses points to a loss of vitality and beauty, paralleling the narrator’s grief. Additionally, the piano serves as a symbol of their shared memories and the medium through which the narrator seeks to reconnect with his mother.
“Oyeme mamá” was recorded in 1952, a period that saw Argentina facing significant political and social changes. This context may have influenced the song’s themes of injustice and questioning of a higher power. The nation was under the rule of Juan Domingo Perón, and societal tensions could reflect the personal turmoils expressed through the tango. The emotional outcry in the song might parallel the collective sentiments of Argentinians during a time of national introspection and transformation. Tango music, often a reflection of deeper social sentiments, becomes a powerful medium for expressing personal and collective angst.
Julio Jorge Nelson was an Argentine poet and lyricist renowned for his contributions to the genre of tango, imbuing his works with rich emotional depth and cultural resonance.