Pan by Celedonio Flores

Pan is a Tango written by Celedonio Flores and composed by Eduardo Pereyra.

Story behind the Tango Pan

The lyrics of “Pan” tell a poignant story of desperation and survival, reflecting on the harsh realities faced by a man in dire circumstances. Translated to English, “Pan” means “Bread,” symbolizing the basic necessity that the protagonist in the tango steals to feed his starving family. The narrative unfolds as he faces the moral and societal judgement for his actions, which are driven by the primal need to provide for his loved ones who are suffering from hunger and cold.

Symbolism of Pan

The repeated references to bread in the tango serve as a powerful symbol of survival—the essential sustenance that the protagonist’s children cry out for. When he chooses to steal bread, it’s a symbol of his desperation and the social inequalities that drive a man to crime. The tango also uses stark imagery to contrast the physical realities of hunger and poverty, such as the “escuálida y flaca” (scrawny and skinny) description of his wife, amplifying the emotional weight of the protagonist’s decisions.

Pan in historic Context

Recorded in 1932, during a period of global economic depression that also affected Argentina, “Pan” reflects the societal issues of the time, including high unemployment and poverty. The line “¿Trabajar?… ¿En dónde?” (“Work?… Where?”) emphasizes the scarcity of jobs and the desperation that followed. This historical context highlights the struggles of the lower class in urban Argentina, making a compelling case for the protagonist’s actions driven by necessity rather than criminal intent.

Celedonio Flores

Celedonio Flores was a renowned Argentine poet and tanguero, known for his poignant depictions of urban life and the struggles of the lower classes.