Pobre buzón by

Pobre buzón is a Tango written by and composed by Carlos di Sarli.

Story behind the Tango Pobre buzón

The tango “Pobre buzón” metaphorically personifies a mailbox that stands on a street corner in Buenos Aires. It acts as a silent witness to the emotional exchanges that take place through the letters it receives. The tango captures the sorrow, love, and lies contained within the envelopes that pass through its opening. The title itself, which translates to “Poor Mailbox,” emphasizes the stoic endurance of this inanimate observer amidst the dramas of everyday life.

Symbolism of Pobre buzón

The mailbox symbolizes an overlooked repository of human emotions. Its “herida” or wound, through which letters are inserted, signifies the emotional pain it passively receives and contains. Notably, the lyrics mention the profound contents it holds, such as letters from mothers to sons taken by war or a note from a forgotten lover seeking answers. These references underscore the cycle of attachment and loss. Furthermore, the image of the mailbox as “bien plantado” yet lacking a heart, illustrates how appearances can be deceptive, reflecting the tango’s underlying theme of unexpressed emotions hidden within a seemingly sturdy exterior.

Pobre buzón in historic Context

Written in 1956 in Buenos Aires, “Pobre buzón” captures a period in Argentina when communication through letters was deeply personal and an essential means of sharing feelings separated by distance or circumstance. Post-war realities and the socio-political atmosphere of Argentina linger in its narrative. As the country grappled with political instability and social change, the lyrics resonate with a sense of yearning and unresolved communication. The familiarity of postal exchange grounds the narrative in a shared cultural experience of the mid-20th century, offering a poignant reflection on the distance between people and their unspoken words.

Short overview of the Author

was a lyricist who contributed to the world of tango with emotionally profound texts that often dealt with themes of love, loss, and the human condition.