Pocas palabras by Enrique Cadícamo

Pocas palabras is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Ricardo Tanturi.

Story behind the Tango Pocas palabras

The lyrics of “Pocas palabras” narrate a poignant encounter between former lovers. The speaker acknowledges the unforgettable past they shared, confessing the ineffectiveness of trying to forget through wine and revealing a lingering sense of attachment despite the relationship having ended. This encounter stirs old emotions, underscoring a matured perspective about their shared past and the realization that some love, though changed, remains unextinguished. Cadícamo masterfully constructs a dialogue of reconnection that avoids delving into the intimate details, preferring brevity and understatement in the face of complex emotions.

Symbolism of Pocas palabras

The phrase “Pocas palabras” or “Few words” encapsulates the theme of restrained communication between the characters. Their dialogue, shrouded in minimalism, suggests that their emotional history is so profound that verbose explanations are unnecessary. Symbolism can also be found in references to “cenizas del ayer” (ashes of yesterday), which denote the remnants of passion that still color their current interaction. The repeated line “Pocas palabras” serves as a refrain that emphasizes the futility and perhaps the pain in revisiting a bygone love that, although no longer present, has not been entirely extinguished.

Pocas palabras in historic Context

Recorded in 1941, “Pocas palabras” is set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Argentina, a time filled with political and social changes. Tango, during this era, often reflected the sentiments of the common people, encompassing themes of love, loss, and nostalgia. This tango, with its emphasis on enduring emotional ties and personal introspection, mirrors the introspective cultural shifts of its time, where society grappled with the modern vices and virtues of love and memory.

Enrique Cadícamo

Enrique Cadícamo was a prolific Argentine lyricist and writer, highly regarded for his significant contributions to the tango genre.