Paciencia by Francisco Gorrindo

Paciencia is a Tango written by Francisco Gorrindo and composed by Juan D’Arienzo.

Story behind the Tango Paciencia

“Paciencia,” which translates to “Patience” in English, delves deep into the emotional encounters of former lovers revisiting their past relationship. The lyrics begin with a nostalgic reunion, where the eyes of a long-separated individual once again fall upon a person they had loved. As the song progresses, it becomes evident that time has altered them both, rendering their reconnection futile and underscoring the transformation brought about by “The years!… The life!…” They mutually recognize that they cannot revert to what once was, and this recognition is encapsulated in the repeated refrain “Paciencia… La vida es así,” suggesting a resigned acceptance of life’s inevitable changes.

Symbolism of Paciencia

The song “Paciencia” richly uses symbolic language to disseminate its themes. The depiction of the past as a shared experience (“fuimos dos extraños mirando el pasao”) highlights the distance that has grown between the two. The line “y el mismo egoísmo nos muestra distintos,” pointing out that their initial selfish desires to reunite have ultimately highlighted their differences, is a poignant reflection on human self-interest and its consequences. The imagery of the untouched hand (“la mano que te di en silencio no tembló al partir”) symbolizes a controlled farewell, devoid of the passion that might have once been present. Finally, the yearning to preserve the memory of the past in its pristine form (“Quiero verte siempre linda como entonces”) underscores a resistance to accept the altered reality.

Paciencia in historic Context

Recorded in 1951, “Paciencia” emerged during a period when Argentina was undergoing significant social and economic changes post-World War II. The song’s themes of change, loss, and the passage of time may reflect the general sentiment of the era, where society grappled with modernization and the resulting shifts in traditional relationships and values. The Tango, inherently a dance of deep emotion and connection, serves as an apt medium to explore these personal and societal transformations.

Francisco Gorrindo

Francisco Gorrindo was an Argentine lyricist known for his evocative tango compositions that often delved into themes of love, nostalgia, and social commentary.